MARTINSVILLE, VA – A new website is available for parents, caregivers, and providers to help navigate childcare resources in Martinsville-Henry County.
The website, developed by a local childcare task force, identifies available slots at each childcare facility in the area and provides resources for existing childcare providers.
The group also developed an Emergency Childcare Scholarship Fund that offers participants the opportunity to receive up to $50 per week in subsidies going to a childcare provider of their choice.
The program is need-based for children ages 4 to 12 who are residents of Martinsville-Henry County.
“COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear the important role safe and effective childcare has not only on the healthy development of children but also the ability of parents and caregivers to participate in the local workforce,” said Philip Wenkstern, executive director of United Way.
The Harvest Foundation says they convened the task force to study the childcare system in Martinsville-Henry County and determine gaps or needed resources.
The task force comprises several community organizations and local government entities including Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services, Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge, Harvest Foundation, United Way of Henry County and Martinsville, Smart Beginnings Martinsville Henry, and the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA.
Smart Beginnings Martinsville-Henry will continue to provide resources to existing childcare providers throughout the community.
Local after-school providers came to the table to help solve challenges surrounding childcare for working parents.
A variety of resources for childcare providers, parents, and guardians at can be found on the website.
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