Klickitat County Childcare Committee is working to address the serious lack of childcare in our rural communities. The problem is widespread, affecting families all across Klickitat County. The Goldendale area is particularly hard hit. It is experiencing a 'childcare desert', in that there are no licensed providers in operation.                     Businesses struggle as well, as more and more skilled employees often have to leave their jobs or limit their hours in order to care for their children. Turnover and re-training are expensive and can lead to loss of productivity and business income. Our entire economy is affected.
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Looking to own your own business? If you are interested in becoming a home-based licensed childcare provider, please contact us at kccc@wagap.org. Our childcare liaison will be happy to help guide you through the process! You can do a quick review of what the requirements are at the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families.

A quick resource guide can be found here, with licensing contacts and business development information.
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To learn more, use this link to see a short presentation about the issue and the work the Committee is doing. We are extremely grateful to the Washington State Department of Commerce for the recent planning grant awarded to the Committee to help it determine best ways to address the situation. We are working with our local legislators to help us attain construction or major renovation funding for a future facility, but other support will be needed.

If you have questions or would like to know more, use the form below to contact us-we welcome your ideas and interest and would love to chat!