Bridging Redmond's Childcare Gap

There is good news for easing the need for childcare in Redmond and Central Oregon.

East Cascades Works is partnering with Better Together to support the expansion of childcare options for school-aged children in support of working parents and guardians. Becca Tatum is leading these efforts to expand schoolage childcare resources across Central Oregon and is currently working with Bend Parks, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Champions (Redmond) to support their current enrollments for roughly 800 kids in K-5 across Deschutes County, and Kids Club in Madras to enroll 100 kids.

Below is a list of the options currently avaible – please share widely with your networks to ensure working care givers have options for their school aged children.

The programs and more info are:

Bend Parks and Rec's "Team Up" Program: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/activities/childcare/

Operating in 14 Bend elementary schools, full enrollment 560, looking to enroll 280-300 families with reduced/no tuition or fees.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend:

https://www.bgcbend.org/activities/school-year-program/

While the website states that applications are due August 31, they are looking for kinder and can still accept applicants. Another possible opening for another 40 slots shortly.

Champions Redmond:

https://www.discoverchampions.com/

Champions works with federal relief funds for childcare (ERDC) and under current COVID guidelines there are no copays. Download the flyer here.

There will be more programs opening soon-- La Pine Parks and High Desert Museum (40-60 kids in three South County elementary schools), REACH http://reachredmond.org/ at their clubhouse in Redmond (39 kids), Kids Club in Madras (100), and possibly Parks in Sisters (tba). 

For more details contact: Becca Tatum becca.tatum@gmail.com.