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United Way of Northern Arizona — Helping to Solve the Childcare Crunch

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2023 • Comments Off

In order to step up for our youth, we need to make improving access to childcare a top priority.

According to a report released just this week, the lack of adequate childcare in Arizona is costing the state $4.7 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue each year.

The analysis, conducted by ReadyNation with major funding by the Helios Education Foundation, shows that not having accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare is adversely impacting parents, businesses, and taxpayers.

From the desk of:

Liz Archuleta

President & CEO

But beyond the impact to our local economies, the childcare crisis means young children are not getting the benefits of early childhood education, which in turn can affect their future success at school and work.

Right now there are about three children for every child care spot available. Much of the problem lies in finding qualified staff. Labor shortages were plaguing the industry prior to the pandemic, and COVID-19 exasperated the problem.

Which is why we are so pleased to report that – thanks to your donations – United Way of Northern Arizona is furthering an innovative program that will connect childcare providers with an untapped workforce of capable, caring individuals willing and able to care for children.

Quality Connections is a local nonprofit that helps empower individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives, including training to remove barriers to employment. During the pandemic, Quality Connections began a child care program for their employees, which then evolved into the Evergreen Academy Preschool (EAP), located in the YMCA in Flagstaff.

Now the two organizations have embarked on a program to train individuals with disabilities so they can work at the preschool and other childcare centers in Flagstaff.

“The paramount challenge in Pre-K education is securing qualified and devoted staff,” said Armando Bernasconi, co-founder and CEO of Quality Connections. “With UWNA’s financial support, Evergreen Academy Preschool is actively addressing this issue, using funding to train and certified individuals with disabilities, thus enriching our local workforce and fostering inclusive education.”

The preschool has developed a formal childcare training curriculum that aligns with the statewide “Quality First” standards and best practices for childcare. It also includes CPR and First Aid training for infants and children, as well as instruction on proper work behaviors and performance.

Once a trainee demonstrates proficiency, a job coach will guide them through the State of Arizona certification process. After certification, Quality Connections will offer further training and assistance to these “QC Graduates” in both finding and maintaining employment in community childcare centers.

Kelly Arnold, director of the preschool, says the funding from UWNA enabled it to create the curriculum, and will allow the preschool to train seven individuals.

Estimates show that each QC Graduate of the training program will add 20 childcare spots to the Flagstaff childcare network.

The work of UWNA brings people together to address the big issues facing our community and creates environments where everyone can thrive. It is your generosity that makes this work possible.

Please consider a donation to UWNA during our annual campaign to enable support for innovative programs and solutions like this one so we can step up for our youth and ensure quality childcare for families in northern Arizona.

Thank you for living United in Purpose with us!

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