January 14, 2025 – Advance Thief River is pleased to announce the award of funding to ten Thief River Falls childcare providers. Awards were presented to Kimmy’s Clubhouse, Edgewood Explorers Childcare, Jacki’s Bright Beginnings Daycare, Laci’s Daycare, Heather’s Helping Hands Childcare, Little Sprouts Childcare, Renee’s Daycare, Cindy Sele’s Child Care, Jennifer Johnson, and Brittany’s Blooming Child Care.
The purpose of these awards is to support childcare providers in addressing key needs related to facility improvements, licensing requirements, and quality enhancements. The eligible expenses included facility enhancements directly related to childcare (such as flooring, egress windows, or fencing), toys and equipment, non-consumable items, and other items needed to attain or retain licensing.
These awards were made possible by the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund, established in the fall of 2024. The need for the fund was identified by the local childcare collaborative, which has been meeting for more than three years. The fund aims to reverse the decline in the number of licensed childcare providers.
“Adequate childcare capacity directly impacts our economic strength in several ways,” said Michelle Landsverk, Advance Thief River Executive Director. “Employers thrive because they are able to fill open positions. Families thrive because they are able to fully engage in the workforce, and children thrive thanks to high-quality early childhood education that prepares them for success in school and in life.”
A second round of funding is anticipated in May of 2025 and early educators are encouraged to watch the Advance Thief River website and the ATR Childcare Collaborative Facebook page for funding announcements.
Individuals, businesses, or organizations who wish to donate to the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund may do so by making an online donation on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation website or by writing a check. For more information, please contact Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River.
Funding provided by the Advance Thief River Childcare Fund, thanks to the generosity of the Dondelinger Foundation, Hartz Foundation, Thief River Falls Rotary, Digikey, and others.
