Thanks to more awareness around the issue, you are seeing some positive momentum toward addressing the childcare needs of Door County. Late last month, the closure of the Zion Early Childhood Center sent waves through the county, but it was quickly countered by the announcement of a new childcare center being planned in the near future for the Sturgeon Bay area. Last month, the Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay launched its Essential Campaign, which hopes to raise approximately $2.4 million to focus on expanded and reconfigured classrooms for its infant, toddler, and 3K classrooms, a new outdoor classroom, indoor/outdoor bathrooms, a library, kitchen, multi-purpose room, and administrative space. Karen Corekin-DeLamer from the Northern Door Children’s Center is happy residents are seeing how childcare fits in the puzzle locally regarding affordable housing, employment, and families.

United Way of Door County Childcare Community Coordinator Molly Gary says the organization has also been working hard to provide resources for people who need childcare and those who want to take on the issue themselves as an in-home provider.

More on the Essential Campaign