A Community in Need: Early Results from our Community Needs Assessment & Affordability Survey
January 16, 2022. Last week, the Little Peaks Tuition & Enrollment Task Force released a Community Needs Assessment and Affordability Survey. Developed by a committee of childcare providers, lawyers, educators, and parents, the survey is providing us with remarkable community insight as we begin to set policies and prices for enrollment and staffing. The survey will remain open through the end of the month, at which point we’ll share key results from the survey.
This week, we bring you a sneak peek that elucidates the problem.
Here, we see just how frenetic the search for childcare has become in Keene. Of our 35 respondents, 75% live in Keene, Keene Valley, and St. Huberts. This graphic shows us that there is one consistent source of childcare (a wonderful long-standing in-home day care in Keene Valley) that is supplemented by individualistic DIY solutions to childcare - moving family from other regions, non-licensed centers, paid in-home care, and grandparents. Remarkably, 55% of families reported one adult whose ability to work outside the home has been impacted by the lack of access to childcare.
We are busy interpreting results to help us develop a supportive, accessible, family-friendly tuition assistance program that works alongside state assistance to ensure that all families have access to comfortable payment plans that work for their unique households.
Meanwhile, at the building, our tile floors are being completed as the final coat of paint goes on. All of the doors and windows have been framed in natural pine trim, and flooring installation begins at the end of the month. The buildings committee is turning its attention to finishing touches - cubbies, door handles, drawer pills, faucets, spring landscaping, etc. Next week, we’ll share pictures of the site and updated landscaping.
Thanks for following along; stay tuned for more insight from our community survey - and please forward widely to family and friends!
