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Local assessment finds shortage of 122 child-care slots countywide; funds and outreach underway
Summary
Wheaton Area Child Care Team reported a local shortage of child-care slots — 50 in the Wheaton School District area and 122 across Traverse County — and outlined near-term funding (nearly $3,000 from Wheaton Dumont Community Fund and $5,000 from West Central Initiative) and provider outreach.
Lisa Graphenteen, project manager for the Wheaton Area Child Care Team, presented an assessment identifying a shortage of child-care slots: 50 in the Wheaton School District area and 122 countywide. The group conducted eight outreach events in Wheaton, analyzed 12 potential spaces for new family or center providers, and reported ongoing conversations with one commercial space about potential provider occupancy.
Graphenteen said the team established an account with the Wheaton Dumont Community Fund and has secured nearly $3,000 to support child-care providers; the team also partnered with West Central Initiative to dedicate $5,000 toward new providers. Two new providers have already used the funds — one in Wheaton and one in Browns Valley. The minutes record the assessment and funding steps but do not detail timelines for new openings or the identities of the new providers.
