Client Spotlight
Reno County Child Care Taskforce
The Reno County Child Care Task Force is addressing the critical shortage of childcare in Reno County, Kansas, where an estimated 1,800 additional childcare slots are needed. Backed by funding from Reno County and the City of Hutchinson, the Task Force is implementing innovative solutions to expand childcare access and capacity. By enhancing support for providers and families, they aim to remove barriers to care, strengthen community trust, and contribute to a stronger local economy. Their mission is to create a childcare system where every child, parent, and provider can thrive.
THE CHALLENGE
With disparate community partners coming together to form the task force, there was no cohesive brand imaging or messaging.
Childcare providers in the county were disconnected from each other, and unable to access collective resources.
Community stakeholders did not understand the importance of childcare, and why the community should invest in this service.
OUR APPROACH
A bright, bold brand image was established, as well as consistent messaging through several channels including a website, Facebook page, and various print material.
A comprehensive email list and provider directory were established, and regular monthly emails keep providers informed of grant and training opportunities.
Messaging has been established for external audiences, including Provider of the Month stories and videos, regular stakeholder emails, press releases, postcards, annual reports and regular social media posts to keep the community informed.
THE OUTCOME
The Reno County Child Care Task Force has been established as the go-to expert on all things childcare in the county and has even been asked to give presentations on successful tactics to other counties across the state.
46 childcare providers have received $694,100 in retention grant support, and $2,292,014 in Accelerator Grant funds have been used to open and renovate childcare locations, resulting in 417 slots opened so far.
Thanks to the success of the program so far, an additional $2.5 million in grant funding has been provided.
High levels of engagement with the Provider of the Month stories indicate community interest and appreciation for the childcare industry.
"Childcare is such an important community issue, and BowerComm recognized the importance of creating a strong brand and communication strategy for the Reno County Child Care Task Force. With this solid foundation, we built a network of partners and providers, giving us the strength we needed to access funding, improving access and availability to childcare for local families. We’re grateful for a marketing partner like BowerComm to help us achieve our goals!"
- Heather Faulkner
Reno County Child Care Task Force Consultant
BY THE NUMBERS
Providers attended training earning a total of 1,368 hours of continuing education credit 160 | Increase in home daycare providers 12% | Childcare slots created in less than 2 years 417 | Accelerator grant funds have been used to open and renovate childcare locations $2,292,014 |
BY THE NUMBERS
Providers attended training earning a total of 1,368 hours of continuing education credit 160 |
Increase in home daycare providers 12% |
Childcare slots created in less than 2 years 417 |
Accelerator grant funds have been used to open and renovate childcare locations $2,292,014 |