One of my favorite gratitude practices is “Three Good Things.” Every night before I go to sleep, I think of three things I am grateful for that day. Even though my own kids aren’t in daycare anymore, I am personally and professionally thankful for childcare businesses.
Childcare businesses in Green County play an essential role, providing proven benefits to a child’s learning and healthy development and supporting our labor force and economy.
Thinking thankful thoughts is one thing, but how can we build awareness in the community around the importance of childcare in Green County and properly thank those who care for the children of our residents and workers?
Green County Development Corporation has teamed up with United Way of Green County, 4-C (Community Coordinated Child Care) and the Green County Child Care Network to raise funds to provide professional development opportunities and appreciation meals for the childcare programs in our area. At the same time, we will promote monthly spotlights about childcare businesses and topics about the childcare industry. Our goal is to enhance the childcare industry, expand childcare capacity, show the community how much childcare matters and recognize providers for all they do.
To make this program a success, we need your help!
Our goal is to raise enough funds to provide a breakfast and a lunch for the staff at each participating childcare provider, as well as provide professional development opportunities and media spotlights. Beginning in October, we’ll provide breakfast to staff of 4-5 different childcare facilities each month. Then beginning in March, we’ll provide lunch at those same programs. Consider sponsoring breakfast or lunch for your favorite facility — or consider sponsoring the month. The cost per month depends on the number of participants, but ranges from $170 to $540.
Donations to celebrate childcare providers in Green County can be sent to GCDC, 1016 16th Avenue, Monroe, WI 53566. For more information, please contact us at (608) 328-9452 or cara.gcdc@tds.net. Contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals will be recognized on printed materials, during events, and through social and traditional media.
In Green County, we have 32 dedicated childcare programs taking care of our youngest learners. This includes 12 group centers and 20 family childcare programs. Childcare is an important backbone of our economy, serving children, families, businesses and communities every day by providing safe environments, healthy meals and educational activities.
Together we are making a difference. Childcare matters to families, to businesses and to our communities. Thank you for your support of childcare businesses!
Green County Leaders deadline extended
Remember to sign up for this year’s Green County Leaders classes: Civil Leadership for Vibrant Communities. The deadline for registration has been extended to September 17. All of the classes will be virtual, partial days, and held from September through May. Please go to the Extension Green County website under the Community Development Green County Leaders tab for more information and to register. The cost for these Green County Leaders classes is $150 per person. Scholarships are available.
Civil Leadership for Vibrant Communities is targeted at people who want to work together across differences and learn strategies to communicate and work productively with people who see the world differently. The premise is not that everyone needs to agree, but that we need to be able to talk and listen to one another. See you there!
— Cara Carper is executive director at Green County Development Corporation. She can be reached at cara.gcdc@tds.net.
