Area leaders reveal study on childcare need, shares highlights from findings | News [Video]

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – On Thursday, area leaders announced a strategic plan for the childcare needs of the community.

It’s based on a report called Grow Up in West Central Indiana, conducted by Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana State University, and RJL Solutions.

They studied the gap in childcare in the areas of Vigo, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, Putnam, and Vermillion counties. This study was paid for by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s College and Community Collaboration grant.

One of the key findings shows parents are staying out of the workforce because they can’t find quality childcare.

“Another facet of it is understanding that if our children are not getting quality childcare, they’re not entering our K-12 system ready as well,” said Lea Anne Crooks, Chancellor at Ivy Tech Community College.

The universities will work together …