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Norton, Kan., Feb. 13, 2025 – The Innovation Center is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming qualified childcare substitutes to support local childcare providers and centers. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the childcare industry: the lack of available and trusted substitute providers.??
Childcare providers face long hours, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., leaving little flexibility for personal appointments or family events. For home-based providers, even a brief absence can mean lost income and disrupt the families they serve. Childcare centers risk classroom closures when staff members are absent. Like public schools, childcare providers can utilize substitutes, but the process to become a childcare?substitute is often lengthy and costly.??
Through the Innovation Center’s Childcare Shared Services Hub, these barriers are being removed. The Innovation Center will cover the expenses associated with becoming a childcare substitute, including:??
- TB Skin Test??
- Health Assessment??
- KCCTO Training: Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities Module (10 modules, 18 hours)??
- Pediatric First Aid??
- Pediatric CPR??
- Fingerprinting??
- State Licensing & Background Check?? ?
Additionally, individuals will receive a $240 stipend upon completing the process.??
“The lack of qualified substitutes is a serious issue for childcare providers,” said Dana Jo Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist at the Innovation Center. “This initiative allows both childcare centers and home providers to select substitutes they trust while eliminating the financial burden that comes with becoming a childcare substitute.”??
Stanton is committed to building substitute pools in every county within the Innovation Center's service area. “In addition to working with childcare centers and home providers, we’re eager to connect with individuals who want to become substitutes. Expanding these substitute pools will provide essential support for childcare providers across Northwest Kansas,” she added.?? ?
For more information about becoming a childcare substitute or other childcare services, contact Dana Jo Stanton at danajstanton@nwkeici.org or call 785-874-5150.??
