Kodiak volunteers outline plan to expand child care and after-school programs

Erica Blondin, a founder of the Kodiak Collaborative, told the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly at its June 26 work session that a volunteer group of parents and local organizations is working to address a local child care shortage across three age ranges: infant–pre-K, K–5 after-school care and sixth–twelfth grade programming.

The group presented survey results and a “three-pronged” approach aimed at increasing licensed in‑home providers, enabling a YMCA-run K–5 after‑school program and expanding supports for teens. Blondin said the Collaborative wants borough assistance in areas such as facility use and in exploring incentives for in‑home providers.

The Collaborative described its origins as informal conversations at local events that grew into a community partnership. “We’re a grassroots movement of volunteers and local entities trying child care crisis in Kodiak,” Blondin said in her presentation. She and partner Yalta Daly said the group has met repeatedly with local stakeholders, including borough staff and the YMCA.

The presenters said the Collaborative distributed a community survey and…