A UCDD Official said Overton County’s propoal to repurpose the county’s current health department building into a childcare facility has a strong chance of gaining state support.
UCDD Empower UC Assistant Director Rosa Smith said Overton County is considered a childcare desert within the Upper Cumberland region. She added that, given the county’s need for affordable workforce childcare, the state would likely be very interested in supporting Overton County’s plan.
“When you are looking at them applying for the Three-Star grant to increase childcare capacity, workforce childcare, yes, I do believe the state would be on board,” Smith said. “This building they are going to renovate will be a licensed childcare center, which will follow the rules and regulations of the Department of Human Services, and also with state fire.”
Smith said she believes the plan could give Overton County a strong chance of securing additional state childcare grants. She added that the county’s approach is a unique strategy the Upper Cumberland region has not tried before to address childcare needs, and that other counties in the area may want to consider adopting a similar model.
“Overton County can definitely be a pilot,” Smith said. “If this model works, other counties can replicate it. It sends the message that the community recognizes the problem and is actively working together to solve it, which is exactly what the state wants to see when considering grant funding.”
Smith said childcare is a significant challenge in the region, as state requirements and regulations make it difficult for providers to operate profitably. She added that licensed childcare providers are likely to take advantage of the opportunity, since the county would provide the space for a fully operational facility.
“A lot of directors or owners who are passionate about serving children may not have the funds to open a new center,” Smith said. “This building is already licensed and ready to go, which is a huge incentive. Providers can focus on their work and serve families immediately without worrying about the massive startup costs.”
Smith explained that workforce childcare is a major barrier to employment in the region. She also said that though 100 slots are a drop in the bucket compared to the region, the plan is a great starting point.
“Workforce childcare is critical for families who need care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., all year, not just during school hours,” Smith said. “Overton County has been considered a childcare desert, and this project could provide over 100 childcare slots. That’s a big step toward increasing workforce participation and giving families the support they need to work and thrive.”