Over $500,000 grant money coming to West Fargo child care providers

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Child care in West Fargo is getting a much needed boost, thanks to a grant through the city. There is over $500,000 to give these centers much needed help to provide for these kids, which can be used on things like equipment and repairs.  

“I think that’s huge. Not only for our location here but for all of the other locations with equipment and giving kids the opportunity to experiment with different items that can be purchased with it. And just being able to explore.” said Alexis Ordaz, the West Fargo YMCA Early Learning Center Director.

This important to have these programs since some of the kids spend more time at the centers than they do at home.

“Some of them, 11 to 12 hours of their day, so they spend a majority of their time here, learning here, they’re interacting with others here,” said Ordaz. “Building those social skills so being able to do that with some of the funds from this grant will be huge.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, child care across the U.S. has been difficult for families. And they have had to make tough decisions. Because of that, City Commissioner Amanda George got to work on bringing this grant to the town.

“I have had zero negative comments on this child care grant so far,” said West Fargo City Commissioner Amanda George. “Everybody has been positive and excited about it. It’s doing so much for the community and so many kids and families. Getting kids into daycare, helping parents get back to work.”

This grant has far reaching impacts across the city. Which ultimately helps families and these centers out.

• 51 providers will be receiving funds
• Over 1,900 child care spots will be impacted
• Around 50 new infant spots will be created

“These grants really help us shift funds around so that we are meeting the needs of our community.” said Tania Zerr. the YMCA Early Learning Center Executive Director.

The child care grant was first introduced by Commissioner George last year after a West Fargo resident survey on January 2022.

Some highlights from the survey:

• 45% of respondents reported that an adult in their household’s career had been impacted due to a lack of childcare
• 14% of respondents reported that an adult member of their household has left the workforce due to a lack of childcare
• Of those impacted, 95% said they would return to the workforce if childcare became more affordable and/or available