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Building a Reliable Future for Rural Childcare in Missouri

From left: CEO Aaron Bradshaw, Amanda Kunze, Jennifer Presberry, Mike Kelley, Corey ten Bensel

In response to a critical need for dependable childcare in rural Missouri, a new nonprofit, Childcare Village Inc., is setting roots in California, MO, with a bold vision for expansion across rural communities. Founded by Amanda Kunze, along with board members Mike Kelley of the Moniteau Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) and Jenn Millard from Central Missouri Community Action, Childcare Village Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and family support where it's needed most.

 

Amanda Kunze, president of Childcare Village Inc., embarked on this journey over a year ago after attending a community meeting that highlighted the pressing need for reliable childcare. A recent transplant from Kansas City to California, MO, Kunze faced firsthand the frustration and instability of rural childcare.

 

"When I first moved here, I had to change childcare facilities four times due to closures and staffing issues," Kunze shared. "As a parent, it is frustrating to feel like you are required to choose between your career and your family."

 

In addition to the closure of four different childcare facilities, Kunze recalled the numerous times she would receive a phone call early in the morning stating the daycare would be closed for the day, leaving her and her husband to figure out a childcare solution before work or use paid time off. She knew that too many in the region shared experiences similar to hers.

 

"It's also a workforce issue," said Kunze. "If we want our communities to grow and be open to economic development opportunities, we need to provide a workforce that doesn't have to worry about affordable and reliable childcare."

 

Kunze's initial goal was simply to support her community, but as she connected with parents, business leaders, and local organizations, she realized that meaningful change would require her full commitment. Through connections made at the community meeting, Jennifer Presberry introduced Amanda Kunze to a network of key local figures who shared her vision. Kunze then enrolled in LaunchU, a program sponsored by MRED to support aspiring entrepreneurs, which provided her with the resources and education she needed to turn her vision into a reality.

 

In November, Childcare Village Inc. took a major step forward when they secured funding through Co-Mo Connect's revolving loan fund program.

 

"At Co-Mo Connect, our mission is to improve the quality of life for the region we serve," stated Co-Mo Connect CEO Aaron Bradshaw. "Programs like Childcare Village Inc. are vital to the workforce needs of our region. Reliable daycare for kids is a need that is abundantly apparent to the community, and that includes the many parents who live here and work at Co-Mo. We see the need, and we are proud to help."

 

The organization's first facility in California, MO, is anticipated to open in the spring of 2025 with a capacity of approximately 35-40 children, an initial step toward addressing the childcare shortage in the area. Beyond that, Kunze and her team envision Childcare Village Inc. growing into a franchise model, replicating its success in other rural communities that struggle to meet the minimum requirements set by traditional childcare providers.

 

"Childcare Village Inc. is more than a daycare," Kunze explained. "It's a model of community-driven support that ensures families have reliable childcare and the peace of mind to pursue their careers."

 

Childcare Village Inc. is founded on three core pillars:

 

Staff Support – Childcare Village Inc. is committed to fostering a balanced work life for its employees by offering competitive wages, healthcare benefits,  career path opportunities, and retirement options.

 

Parent Peace of Mind – With the goal of consistent, reliable staffing and age-appropriate curricula, the organization aims to provide a seamless and enriching experience for both children and parents.

 

Community Involvement – Recognizing the unique needs of rural Missouri, Childcare Village Inc. is deeply rooted in the community. The organization pledges to continuously engage with and adapt to the evolving childcare needs of the region.

 

Childcare Village Inc. stands as a testament to the impact a group of like-minded individuals can have when empowered by community support and resources. Through the support of many community and business leaders in the community, Amanda Kunze's determination to address the needs of rural families is set to transform lives, supporting both workforce growth and family stability across Missouri.

 

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