PC Tots, a local, nonprofit childcare center, has announced that its campaign to fund tuition for two families has been kick-started by $10,000 in matching grants from several individuals in Park City.
The funds were contributed by a few Park City residents. PC Tots Business and Development Manager Katie Madsen said the campaign to raise $30,000 to enroll and provide scholarships to two new children from low-income families had been underway since April 1.
She said Rena Jordan, a recent addition to PC Tots’ board of directors, is responsible for wrangling the initial sum. Big-D Signature is donating $5,000. President Mike and Michell Kerby personally contributed another $2,500, and Rena Jordan and her husband are supporting the endeavor with $2,500.
You can find out more about the matching grant campaign at the PC Tots website. If you wish to donate, visit the portal through this link.
Jordan said she became familiar with PC Tots about five years ago when an employee at the time couldn't find affordable, quality childcare for her newborn.
"I think the part of the model that really hits my heart, and I will continue to support now serve in a board role, is that it's a very good diversity among students there,” she said. “So, it's not just students in need and therefore, you're really not being diverse in the population of children."
Jordan said the Summit County workforce would continue to grow, and early childcare needs will increase with the rest of the economy.
"How this was founded and the principles that it was founded on, I think are really important for the community to understand and know more about. I think the workforce probably is not highly aware that PC Tots exist. The care and education they're getting while they're there is a perfect primer for entering school."
Mike Kerby said he is impressed with the organization and was taken back by the level of care it provides to the children of working families in Park City. He and his wife, Michelle, have lived in Park City for 14 years and hope their challenge grants of $7,500 will help with the campaign.
“Initially I wasn't sure what level of childcare they were providing,” he said. “We did a virtual tour of their location, and I was extremely impressed to what level they were providing. And from education to meals to do recreation. It's got to be a huge relief for some of these adults that are working in our community, that they can have a safe environment for the kids."
KPCW news reports on issues affecting young children and their parents are brought to you by the Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Fund. For more information, visit earlychildhoodalliance.net.
