Free meeting will provide information about starting an in-home child care business

The Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus will host a free informational meeting for anyone interested in starting an in-home child care business. The meeting will be 6-8 p.m. June 21 at the Perkins County Senior Center, 420 Central Ave., in Grant.

According to the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Nebraska loses $745 million annually because parents drop out of the workforce, miss work, turn down a promotion or move because of a lack of child care.

More than 75 percent of children under age 6 live in homes where all adults work. Yet, 91 percent of counties in Nebraska with child care facilities do not have enough available slots to meet current demand.

The MPCC Ogallala Campus is trying to address the need with its meeting.

Cheryl Roche, coordinator for the High Plains Early Learning Connection, will explain what family home child care is, why quality child care matters and the ideal qualities of a provider. She will also address steps to start a business and licensing requirements as well as contracts and communication tips.

The meeting is worth three clock hours of continuing education credit.

Those interested in registering can contact the MPCC Ogallala Campus at (308) 284-9830 or Ogallala@mpcc.edu.