Childcare Coalition of Dodge City Recognized as Child Care Community Champion Coalition Celebrates Progress on Full Circle Childcare Center

The Childcare Coalition of Dodge City has been recognized by Child Care Aware of Kansas as a Child Care Community Champion, honoring the coalition’s leadership and commitment to strengthening local child care infrastructure.

The designation is part of the statewide Child Care Friendly Communities initiative, which celebrates communities making measurable progress in improving child care access, capacity, and workforce sustainability.

The Childcare Coalition of Dodge City was recognized for its collaborative, community-driven approach to addressing child care shortages and treating child care as essential infrastructure for economic growth and workforce development.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of so many partners across Dodge City,” said Mollea Lightner, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. “Child care is not just a family issue; it is a workforce and economic development issue. We are proud of the progress our community has made and remain committed to expanding access for working families.”

Pictured receiving the award are Sarah Romine and Jan Kuckelman with Child Care Aware of Kansas, and Mollea Lightner, representing the Childcare Coalition of Dodge City.

The coalition’s efforts include the development of the new Full Circle Childcare Center, a transformative project that will significantly expand local child care capacity. Construction is underway, with foundation work in progress and completion anticipated within 18 months.

Once complete, Full Circle will provide over 100 new child care slots, helping address one of the most pressing workforce challenges facing Dodge City employers and families.

The project represents a strong public-private partnership, bringing together local non-profits, government, businesses, and community advocates to create long-term, sustainable solutions for early childhood care.

Through strategic partnerships and intentional collaboration, Dodge City continues to serve as a model for rural Kansas communities seeking innovative solutions to child care challenges.

For more information about the Childcare Coalition of Dodge City or the Full Circle Childcare Center project, contact:

 Mollea Lightner

Assistant Director of Economic Development

Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

molleaw@dodgedev.org