The Rochester Childfirst Network, a non-profit agency that says it is dedicated to advancing the quality of early education, has recently unveiled an initiative aimed at bolstering in-home childcare businesses and supporting existing providers. 

According to the agency, this new investment promises to play a role in nurturing the future generation. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Rochester Childfirst Network, a non-profit agency that says it is dedicated to advancing the quality of early education, has recently unveiled an initiative aimed at bolstering in-home childcare businesses and supporting existing providers

  • The agency says the initiative not only offers support for entrepreneurs aspiring to launch new in-home childcare businesses, but also extends assistance to existing providers seeking additional training or upgraded equipment

  • According to the RCN, the initiative not only addresses the need for more childcare providers, enabling parents to work with peace of mind, but it also empowers women, particularly women of color, as a significant percentage of these childcare businesses are owned by them

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, in collaboration with the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency, has announced a grant of $300,000 to support the initiative. 

The RCN says its initiative takes a two-pronged approach to address the childcare needs of the Rochester community. The agency says it not only offers support for entrepreneurs aspiring to launch new in-home childcare businesses, but also extends assistance to existing providers seeking additional training or upgraded equipment. 

One of the most tangible benefits of this initiative is the assistance it provides to existing childcare providers, the RCN says. Many such providers are facing challenges related to maintaining and upgrading their facilities. 

"Over the years, our outdoor equipment has begun to deteriorate and has recently been partially shut down," said Cassandra Manley, an in-home provider. "This grant would allow me to purchase a new jungle gym that would allow my toddlers and preschoolers to continue exploring their large and small motor skills. But it will also help me provide adequate protective surfacing to cushion falls and prevent injuries." 

On the other side of the spectrum, the RCN claims its initiative encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into the world of in-home childcare. The program provides financial assistance and training to guide new childcare providers through various aspects, from obtaining state licenses to managing a small business.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has emphasized the broader impact of RCN's initiative.

"We are adding more childcare providers," said Bello. "That gets people to work. It's solving the problem of needing more childcare in our community and our childcare deserts. And it's helping families be able to get to work because there's proper care for their children." 

The RCN says its initiative aims to bridge the childcare gap by increasing the number of providers and enabling more parents to pursue employment opportunities.

Bello believes the initiative is beneficial for women, especially women of color. He pointed out that 98% of these childcare businesses are owned by women of color. He says by investing in such projects, RCN and its partners are not only supporting local businesses but also contributing to the economic empowerment of minority women.