The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce will begin addressing local child care challenges after recieving $20,000 in grant funding. This new initiative will call on employers and early childhood education providers for input.
Candace Carnahan, president and CEO of the chamber, said access to child care is crucial for workforce development.
“This is more than just after-school babysitting. When we’re looking at the shortage of essential skills in our workforce and when that skill development happens, it’s during these critical years,” Carnahan said. “We as a community need to value and support these individuals, these organizations that are truly shaping our future workforce.”
The grant was provided by the Child Care Access Alliance. According to Carnahan, a total of $140,000 was invested into chambers across the state. Grand Junction is the only grant recipient on the Western Slope.
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