CCDC receives a Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas grant

The Childcare Coalition of Dodge City (CCDC) has recently been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas to support its ongoing operations and programming, which aim to expand childcare capacity in Ford County.

Since its formation, the CCDC has been a driving force behind a multi-faceted approach to solving Dodge City’s childcare shortage. The organization is leading the development of the Full Circle Childcare Center, a repurposed 7,500+ square-foot facility that will serve up to 136 children with extended, non-traditional hours of operation, designed to meet the needs of working families, especially those with non-traditional shifts. Local developer Ric Marbouef donated the building, which is being relocated and renovated in the United Village development area.

In addition to the center, the Coalition continues to focus on growing and supporting in-home providers. Its “How to Become a Childcare Provider” seminars have already helped launch five new licensed in-home providers, and its outreach continues through bilingual workshops, recruitment events, and technical assistance. The CCDC is also actively supporting current providers, recently hosting a childcare tax seminar to help home-based businesses navigate deductions, best practices, and retirement planning.

The Community Foundation’s grant will help sustain the administrative and staffing costs that make this work possible, ensuring continued recruitment, education, and outreach as the Full Circle project moves forward and additional providers are supported.