Lake Area Technical College and Jenkins Living Center Collaborate to Address Childcare Challenges in Watertown
Watertown, SD – In response to the growing childcare challenges faced by families in the region, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) has launched an initiative to enhance its Educare Center thanks to a substantial grant from Jenkins Living Center. The ,000 grant aims to expand the center’s capacity, which is currently housed in the former Garfield Elementary School, setting a precedent for collaborative efforts to tackle childcare shortages in the community.
Cam Corey, Vice President of LATC, expressed gratitude for the role Jenkins Living Center is playing in addressing this pressing issue. “We are very appreciative of Jenkins Living Center for stepping forward and being a part of this innovative solution to our region’s childcare crisis,” Corey stated. The commitment of both private and public sectors in this initiative exemplifies the potential of community partnerships in improving quality of life, underscoring the necessity for collaborative efforts in solving social issues.
The grant will facilitate the installation of additional fire suppression equipment, allowing LATC to increase the facility’s capacity from 55 to 135 children. This expansion will enable the center to offer daycare services for preschoolers as well as before- and after-school care for kindergarten students. LATC also secured additional funding from the State of South Dakota to support this critical development.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond mere numbers. Kasey Klapprodt, President and CEO of Jenkins Living Center, highlighted the project’s broader implications, stating that it should serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region. Klapprodt noted, “This opportunity has been incredibly beneficial to the Jenkins Living Center staff members. Partnering with Educare has enabled Jenkins employees to access stable and affordable childcare,” revealing the direct impact of expanded childcare access on workforce stability and family well-being.
This collaboration not only seeks to meet immediate childcare needs but also aims to create a lasting framework for future partnerships. “Jenkins Living Center and Lake Area Technical College have a long history together, so it is great to be able to come together to address the true needs of the Watertown community,” Klapprodt added.
For parents interested in enrolling their children at LATC’s Educare Center, more information is available by contacting the college at (605) 882-5284. Established in 1965, LATC stands as South Dakota’s first technical college, renowned for offering 31 programs in high-demand career fields and catering to around 2,600 students.
As childcare costs continue to rise nationwide—reaching as much as ,000 in some cities—initiatives such as this highlight the urgency for integrated approaches to address such challenges, ensuring families have access to affordable and quality childcare options. The proactive steps taken by LATC and Jenkins Living Center serve as a compelling reminder of the community-driven solutions that can emerge when local entities unite for a common cause.
