Thanks to generous contributions from our business and community supporters, Megan Norris was hired to be the Central Oregon’s Child Care Accelerator by the Bend Chamber and our partners in November 2019. Megan’s efforts have focused on working with employers, providers, brokers and local governments to create more child care spots by identifying facility space (existing buildings/land to build child care). In particular, she has been working closely with Oregon State University (OSU) and Central Oregon Community College (COCC) to develop a potential pilot child care facility to be housed on both OSU and COCC land. She has also been matching providers who are either looking to expand their child care or start a new business with land/building opportunities. Megan regularly participates in regional child care task force meetings taking place in Bend, Redmond and Madras and works closely with regional partners on developing projects to address the child care shortage.

Megan is also working on developing a website to be completed this spring. This website will serve as a resource to employers and providers to help carry out the regional goals.

3-Month Achievements

• Held numerous meetings with community leaders, employers and providers
• Identified 11 pieces of land/buildings
• Instigating discussions regarding regional economic development loans for child care, grant sources and banking partners
• Exploring new models, including co-opted or shared services to offset costs for child care providers, in-home child care business advancement, mobile home/structure templates for undeveloped sites and other models
• Assisting employers interested in finding child care options and partnerships for employees

Regional Steering Committee Goals

1. The Central Oregon Child Care Steering for the child care accelerator position has set a number of initial goals:
2. Create 1,000 new child care spots by December 2022
3. Secure funding for the child care accelerator position for years 2021 and 2022
4. Identify and secure philanthropic contributions to help providers create more child care spots
5. Work with local financial institutions and regional economic development sources to offer low interest rate loans
6. Increase efficiencies and connections for child care providers expanding, moving or building new facilities by streamlining codes and exploring a regional building code staff position to help providers navigate remodels and upgrades needed for child care facilities
7. Work with regional contractors and builders to find efficiencies and lower costs to do these upgrades/builds
8. Encourage the reduction of fees and other local government policies that will help generate more child care spots in Bend, Redmond and Madras

Megan is also working on developing a website to be completed this spring. This website will serve as a resource to employers and providers to help carry out the regional goals.

Megan is working with staff to ensure her position is fully funded through this year and for 2 additional years so she can continue this vital work. Part of the funds still needed to be raised for year 1 will go towards website and collateral material development. We are welcoming contributions to the cause.

Contact:
Megan Norris
megan@centraloregonchildcare.com
777 NW Wall Street #200
Bend, OR 97703
541-728-3688

Please see recent articles at https://bendchamber.org/childcare/