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Residents warn of childcare crisis after two closures; council urged to prioritize solutions
Summary
Morgan Rignell told council Sherburne lost two daycare providers in three weeks and that only 1–2 licensed in-home daycares remain; she urged grants, EDA action and partnerships with schools and churches to address immediate and long-term shortages.
Morgan Rignell, introduced by the chair as the next speaker, told the council the community faces an urgent childcare shortage after recent provider closures.
"Over the past 3 weeks, Sherburne has lost 2 daycare providers," Rignell said, adding that "today we only have 2 licensed in-home daycare still operating and 1 of those providers is nearing retirement and is no longer accepting infants or new families." She said the shortage threatens teacher retention and can cause families to move away or delay growing their families.
Rignell suggested concrete ideas for council consideration, including grants or incentives for new providers, supporting the purchase or use of already licensed daycare homes, exploring a community daycare center in partnership with the school or churches, and considering a city-supported facility where independent providers could operate.
City staff and EDA representatives said they had previously deprioritized childcare on the EDA agenda but that recent closures warranted elevating it. Staff said they plan to recommend making childcare a top EDA priority and propose creating a committee including EDA members, council members and community stakeholders to pursue solutions.
