USD Board Hears Proposal For Day Care Services

USD 214 school board members heard a proposal to provide day care services at Hickok Elementary School during its July 11 board meeting.

The proposal was brought by Marcia Raines, Hickok Elementary’s principal. Raines said she is still looking at funding options, but hopes to open the service in January.

“A day care could influence our community in positive ways,” Raines said.

Raines said according to data from Child Care Aware of Kansas, Ulysses has a need of about 450 slots for child care. Her proposal would open 12 slots and be open to the community. If that proves successful, she hopes to expand the program in future years.

The day care would initially be hosted in a self-contained classroom at Hickok Elementary School. Depending on the outcome of the district’s bond issue, the day care would expand into another classroom or move to a larger location.

Raines said she is investigating ways to fund a day care program, while keeping costs low for families. She estimates hiring two qualified full-time employees could cost $85,000 a year, while charging $25 a day for 12 children brings  in $45,000.

“It’s not a money maker, but it is a benefit to the community,” Raines said. “There are lots of grants to help fund a day care, too.”

The school board approved a stipend to hire someone to work through the grant-writing process, as well as completing legal paperwork and licensing.