Childcare

The city council unanimously approved an agreement with Habitat for Humanity that includes allocating $80,000 to develop two homes on Trailside Court as part of the city's "ReBloom the Block" program. City staff said the infusion of funds will speed up the non-profit's building schedule.

Bloomington-Normal’s shortage of affordable childcare options is about to get even worse. Milestones Early Learning Center and Preschool in Bloomington will permanently close July 31 – less than two weeks from now.

According to one study, Illinois is losing $6.2 billion a year from people exiting the workforce due to childcare challenges. Experts say a new statewide department dedicated to early childhood is unlikely to provide immediate relief.

The Normal Town Council has adopted a new strategic plan for the next three years. Mayor Chris Koos talks about some of the details.

Illinois businesses advocated for more funding to child care facilities as demand for services remains high. ReadyNation Illinois came out with a report that Illinois is losing $6.2 billion each year because of the child care crisis.

A shortage of child care options has worsened in recent months following the closure of Kidsville, Bright Horizons and one of two Cadence Academy locations.

The national chain Bright Horizons said the location was "no longer viable." The location in east Bloomington is among two of three child care centers along Williamsburg Drive to close in recent months.

Providers aren’t the only ones who rely on the money. A small amount of federal funds go toward state child care support programs like CCAP that help families find and afford child care.

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and YWCA McLean County are proposing significant public and private sector investment in affordable child care for the community, after a yearlong study.

U. S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline, said he’s willing to consider some limits or cost controls that would help the plan pass in the Senate, where 60 votes are required for passage.