In the heart of Watertown, South Dakota, a recent Plan Commission meeting illuminated the pressing need for more daycare options in the community. As the clock ticked towards the end of the year, members gathered to discuss a proposed amendment aimed at streamlining the process for establishing home daycare facilities within residential zones.

The conversation began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges families face in securing reliable childcare. One commission member emphasized the desperate need for additional daycare services, highlighting the efforts of local advocates like Sarah Faust. “Watertown is in desperate need of additional daycare,” they stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Currently, the zoning ordinance permits only single-family homes in residential areas, complicating the establishment of daycare services. The commission discussed the existing conditional use process, which requires home businesses, including daycare, to seek approval from the board. This process has proven cumbersome, with many potential providers feeling the strain of lengthy approvals. “We want to streamline this,” one member noted, reflecting on the numerous daycare applications they have reviewed over the years.

The proposed amendment aims to allow daycare homes as a permitted use, simplifying the approval process for those who meet specific criteria. This change is seen as a way to encourage more providers to enter the market without the burden of extensive bureaucratic hurdles. “We’re glad you want to do it,” a member reassured potential providers, indicating a supportive stance from the board.

However, the meeting also touched on related concerns, such as safety and privacy requirements for daycare facilities. One member raised questions about the necessity of privacy fencing in residential areas, suggesting that safety should take precedence. “A hedge doesn’t provide safety for children,” they argued, calling for a reevaluation of the current screening requirements.

As the meeting drew to a close, the commission moved to approve the proposed changes, signaling a step forward in addressing the community's childcare needs. The discussions highlighted not only the logistical challenges of establishing daycare services but also the broader implications for families in Watertown. With the approval of the amendment, the hope is that more families will find the support they need, paving the way for a brighter future for both children and parents in the community.