Local Voices Unite to Overcome a Crisis
Local Voices Unite to overcome a crisis
The last child care facility in the rural town of Baker, Montana experienced closure in 2018. It’s here that Fallon County faced a pivotal choice: do nothing or do everything. At the plea of a former child care business owner, the county’s economic development board answered the cry – recognizing the impact this child care crisis would have on the local economy. Spearheaded by the board’s (current) Executive Director Vaughn Zenko, the community rallied together to launch the Baker Child Care Project, an ongoing initiative to bring available and affordable child care to Baker, Montana.
THE CHALLENGE
Building a reliable infrastructure.
At its start, a child care facility requires two key pieces of infrastructure – a physical location and financial support. And the Baker Child Care Project was in immediate need of both. Despite momentum early in the form of donated land and a grant for architectural design, the project came to a halt due to a lack of funding. Over the years, the Baker Child Care Project continued to face property hurdles – a challenge not unique to a rural community like Baker, however, one that continued to unify and strengthen support.
Residents in Fallon County were in immediate need of licensed child care.
of Montanans agree the economy is impacted when working parents don’t have access to child care.
Watch to Learn More About this Success Story
THE SOLUTION
Remaining resilient in the face of setback.
When the community lost its last licensed child care facility, a passionate resident fought for her beliefs and, as a result, an impact study was conducted. When the Baker Child Care Project came to a stall, Vaughn Zenko worked to reignite the project with the help of a small grant from Zero to Five Montana. In 2022, when the program team learned of the powers of a bond initiative, they worked tirelessly to gather the signatures needed to place it on the ballot. And though the bond (and following mill levy) fell short, instead of throwing in the towel, the team ramped up its engagement with local and legislative partners – pivoting their plans to now leverage six plots of donated land to build a modular child care facility.
In response to the positive outreach around child care in Baker, Action for Eastern Montana’s Head Start Program has additionally expanded preschool into the community, occupying one of the modulars.
Our $7.2M bond for a child care facility was the first time since the 1970s that a bond issue had been on a ballot in Fallon County. So, no – we didn’t win the vote. But we did win in getting people to think about child care differently.
Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director, Baker Child Care Project
STEPS TO SUCCESS
Launching an Impact Study
Previous EMEDA Executive Director, Shanny Spang Gion worked with the team to conduct a needs assessment early on to reveal the issues hindering adequate child care. These results were imperative to guiding a strategic plan, building legislative support, and rallying the community.
Reevaluating Project Scope
Not all great ideas come to fruition. Recognizing the dire necessity for a child care facility (and letting that be their driving force), the team remained willing to readjust their plans – channeling efforts to meet the community’s most critical need.
Seeking Community Collaboration
Fostered by the infrastructure and support from Zero to Five Montana, HeadStart, and other crucial local partners, the initiative deepened its community roots – ensuring a broader investment in the project’s success.
Pursuing Legislative Action
The legislative efforts pursued by the Baker Child Care project are groundbreaking for a rural community. In addition to an infrastructure bond, the group also pursued a levy ask and established intentional partnerships with their local commissioners.
Innovative Financing & Support
PROGRESS
Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but when a determined community leads with passionate voices, resiliency, and heart
– success is sure to follow.
Take a look!
1 Child Care Facility & 1 Head Start Preschool Program
18 Preschool & 20 Child Care Slots
Unprecedented Community Engagement
Legislative Momentum
Updated Data to Drive Innovation
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Multiple community partners are working together to make a great impact on the community of Baker.
Shawna Sargent, Director of Action for Eastern Montana Head Start
