Ekalaka Public Schools' in-house daycare a model for rural communities

Ekalaka Public Schools has taken a significant step towards addressing the critical need for quality childcare in rural communities. The district's in-house daycare, located within the elementary school building, opened its doors in August 2022.

This initiative was made possible by a $163,000 Child Care Innovation Grant, awarded to Ekalaka as one of only two public schools (alongside Browning) among 31 grantees across Montana. The grant funding spanned from September 2022 to August 2024.

Addressing a Pressing Need

The closure of the town's last daycare provider in May 2022 presented a significant challenge for many families, particularly working parents employed by the school district. "I couldn't work if there was no childcare available in town," expressed Drake Burch, a district employee. "Having both of my kids in the same building is incredibly comforting," she added, highlighting the convenience offered by the in-house facility.

Kari Kittelmann, Director of the Ekalaka Public Schools Daycare, emphasized its crucial role: "We provide a valuable service to the community. Having quality daycare available puts staff at ease, knowing their children are well-cared for close by."

A Multifaceted Benefit

Superintendent James Kapptie outlined the numerous advantages of the daycare:

Fiscal Responsibility: "The grant funding allowed the district to address a critical need without placing a financial burden on taxpayers."

Enhanced Recruitment: "The daycare has become a valuable asset in attracting and retaining qualified staff."

Career Exploration: "High school students gain valuable career experience through interaction with the daycare staff."

Smoother Transition: "Young children benefit from early exposure to the school environment and interaction with older students, easing the transition to preschool."

Community Partnerships for Enhanced Services

To further streamline the childcare experience for families, Ekalaka Public Schools has partnered with a local preschool. This collaboration allows for a seamless transition between the two programs, with the school providing transportation for young children between the daycare and preschool. This partnership not only enhances convenience for parents but also fosters a strong educational foundation for children from an early age.

Community Support

Even Amy Nies, who closed the town's former daycare to focus on her own family's ranch, acknowledged the positive impact of the current arrangement: "The current daycare arrangement is great and definitely feels a need. The location is great, it's a one-stop shop for most parents and it allows kids to be around older siblings." Nies currently runs a separate preschool program in Ekalaka two days a week, which sometimes receives children transitioning from the school daycare.

Brittani Brence, the district's Business Manager, also expressed her satisfaction with the daycare: "Daycare onsite for me means easier drop off and pick up, ease of checking in if needed. For my kids it means a safe place where they can be cared for, learn and grow. It gets them used to the school building and routine and it allows them to be a part of our culture and activities before they start school. Having the daycare has allowed me to continue working. With 2 kids in daycare at a time, I would not have been able to keep a full time job which would have dramatically changed the dynamic for our family in many ways."

Melanie Kimpton, a new staff member who moved to town and bought a ranch with her husband, also praised the daycare: "Wouldn't be able to teach if there wasn't daycare. Being new to the community it allows us to socialize with other kids and families that are in that same age group. It is so beneficial in so many ways."

Carol Spencer, a counselor, teacher, co-athletic director, and bus driver, emphasized the daycare's impact on her ability to work: "No way could I make it work if we didn't have daycare. It's good socialization and activities for my kids."

Statewide and National Issue

A recent KTVQ news article highlighted the benefits of in-district childcare in Miles City, Montana. Miles City Superintendent Meghan Brown echoed the importance of such programs: "That helped us fill two long-term sub roles last year," citing the childcare solution as a vital tool in addressing teacher shortages plaguing Montana and the nation's education system.

According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, a staggering 59% of Montana counties qualify as childcare deserts, meaning the supply meets less than a third of estimated demand.

Superintendent Kapptie highlighted the challenges of retaining qualified staff in rural areas: "After the last certified School Counselor resigned in 2019, Ekalaka Public Schools has had multiple people covering the position but are lucky to have a qualified person on contract currently. Without the daycare option, all of our students would be at a loss."

Taylor Kuntz, a Carter County employee whose two-year-old attends the Ekalaka Public Schools Daycare, expressed her gratitude: "Couldn't work without the daycare! Absolutely love it. The staff is great and communicates very well. The kids do crafts and they really work to teach the kids and help them learn, it's awesome!"

By providing essential childcare services and fostering partnerships with local preschools, Ekalaka Public Schools has become a model for rural communities across the state and nation. This innovative approach demonstrates the positive impact of in-house daycare on education, workforce development, and overall community well-being.