District to mail childcare needs survey; online QR option, deadline set for January 26

District staff presented a community needs assessment survey focused on preschool‑age childcare and asked the board to approve sending the survey to households in the district. The plan uses the state’s census addresses to mail the survey and provides a QR code so households can complete it online. Staff said the survey will be open until January 26 and that School Perceptions will provide up to 300 extra access codes for employer or non‑resident responses if the board decides to invite area employers to participate.

The survey asks whether the district should explore adding childcare services, whether families would enroll in the proposed school‑day or full‑day childcare options, the ages of children in the household, and space for additional comments. Staff explained the proposed 'school readiness' half‑day model would focus on foundational learning and the 'wrap/bomber care' model would provide more flexible childcare hours. The presentation noted the district’s current childcare license covers children ages 3 and older; expanding to younger ages would require additional space and licensing and could entail different staffing and insurance requirements.

Board members asked about participation (one or both parents can respond), employer codes for non‑residents, staffing and licensing implications, and a local shortfall estimate that staff said shows a regional childcare gap. The board voted to send the community needs assessment survey as presented.