Quality day care providers needed in Marion County
Staff reporter
Quality day care for children is in high demand in Marion and most of Marion County.
Of the 668 children under the age of five in Marion County (according to the 2000 U.S. Census), there are only 457 possible openings available by day care providers in Marion County, according to the Marion County Health Department.
In addition, there are children over the age of five needing day care before and after school, and all day for holidays and summers.
The statistics alone reveal a shortage. So, when 12 local and area providers were contacted, all but four were at capacity. Of the four with openings, most were recent openings and the providers anticipate the open slots will be filled soon.
"It (demand) tends to go in cycles," said Mary Rogers, a licensed day care provider in Marion for five years. "I turned down four children last week alone."
She said that it may be a few weeks before she gets another inquiry.
Michelle Busenitz, of rural Peabody, a licensed day care provider for the past two years, agrees that it is cyclical.
"One week, I had four people inquire and then the next week or two, no one," she said.
Busenitz is full right now, too. She has parents driving 20 miles one way for their child care needs.
Diane Jeffrey of Marion, a licensed day care provider for the past 17 years, also sees the cycle. She also has noticed demand increasing during the past few years.
"In the last year or two I've had more calls from people looking for child care," said Jeffrey.
Vicki Jirak of Ramona, a registered day care provider for the past three years, is also full and gets calls from time to time.
The Kinderhaus Preschool at Goessel currently has two openings.
"There are fewer children in preschool this year," said Gail Voth, owner of the preschool for the past 25 years.
Debbie Regehr, of rural Marion, has owned and operated a group day care for the past 15 years. She's full and has a waiting list.
Rita Brunner of Tampa, a licensed day care provider for three years, is full.
"I get inquiries probably twice a month," she said. She has a parent commuting 15 miles one way.
Brenda Moss of Hillsboro, a registered day care provider for the past 11 years, has two openings right now, one is for an infant (under the age of 18 months).
"I get a variety of requests," said Moss, "but infant care is the most requested."
Head Start offers day care for children ages three to five with specific income requirements. Head Start is located in Marion and Hillsboro. Both locations have one opening each.
Sandy Thompson of Goessel, a licensed day care provider for two years, has a couple of openings that have just come available.
Vickie Hajek of Lost Springs has operated a registered day care for 24 years and has never had an open slot. "I care for the Centre teachers' children," said Hajek. The calls that she receives for child care needs are for toddlers.
Lucky Ducks Preschool in Hillsboro has a waiting list for the preschool program.
"The three openings I have are for the day care, between the ages of 21/2 and school ages," said Kim Klein, owner. "More people are calling for infant needs and under 21/2 (years of age)." She also noted that it is hard for parents to find open slots for school-aged children who don't need care all day.
Anita Hooper, a licensed practical nurse with the Marion County Health Department, understands the shortage of providers. Hooper is also the child care surveyor and immunization coordinator for the county.
"They're not just babysitters anymore," said Hooper. Licensed day care providers are required to have continuing education hours to maintain their licenses.
Providers are taught nutrition, daily activities, first aid, and other skills.
"There is always a shortage of day care providers," said Hooper. "It's nice for a parent to have a choice."
Currently, Marion County has two Head Start programs, six preschools, one child care center, three group day care homes, and 21 licensed and 12 registered day care facilities.
The licensed day care provider can care for a maximum of ten children, infancy through 16 years of age, with a limited number of children under kindergarten age. This number includes the provider's own children under the age of 11.
The home must be in compliance with safety and health standards and is determined by a self evaluation and an evaluation by a child care facility surveyor.
A licensing inspection is conducted at least once every 12 months.
The registered day care provider can care for a maximum of six children, birth to 16, and the provider's children under 12. Three of the six children may be under 18 months of age.
No registration inspection is made by a child care facility surveyor on behalf of the state prior to issuance of a certificate unless there is a request by the applicant or a complaint.
Per Kansas statute, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) workers have a right of entry to check for compliance after receiving either an oral or written complaint.
For a list of certified day care centers and providers, contact Hooper at the Marion County Health Department, 620-382-2550.
