Childcare Summit Scheduled Sept. 16 At Pella Lutheran Church

Since the two top priorities for the economy of Richland County are workforce and childcare Richland Economic Development has focused on bringing solutions to our area.

A Childcare Summit has been scheduled for Friday, Sept. 16 at the Pella Lutheran Church multi-purpose room, 418 W. Main.

The summit will focus on a wide variety of topics for anyone currently operating a childcare, considering opening a daycare or someone who needs to be certified in CPR and First Aid.

The objectives of the summit are to build capacity in our area, to provide education for providers to create connectivity between provider and to bring to focus on the connection between employers and providers.

Keynote speaker will be Patty Butler, Montana Department of Health and Human Services, who will focus on licensing requirements, available programs through DPHHS and potential funding resources to help providers.

Michele Herres, State Farm Insurance, who will discuss insurance and liability coverage for providers.

Davey Madison, Montana Cooperative Development Center, Great Falls, will discuss options for employers to create cooperative daycare for their employees.

Tara Hill and Erin Anderson. CHMS Inc., Sidney, will discuss legal structures, financial considerations and QuickBook advice.

Kyssa Rasmussen, Sunrise Wellness Center, Sidney, will focus on mental health for both providers and children.

Emiiy Keegan, AEMT, Sidney, will recertify those needing Pediatric First Aid and CPR.

Carrie Krug, MSU Extension, Sidney, will discuss healthy nutrition for growing children, as well as age-appropriate physical activities.

Kelly Reisig, Sidney Richland Co. Library, will talk about the various resources that our library has.

Tammy Phelps, Montana Family Connections, will have fingerprinting of the providers and their background checks provided free. (A $35 value)

Alex DuBois and Caitlin Jensen, Zero to Five, will focus on the connections between providers and employers, offering solutions, child friendly workplaces, etc.

Four hours of continuing education credit are included with this event.

The registration fee for those not taking CPR is $50 and the fee for those recertifying their CPR is $95. Job Service also has caregiver CPR training with reimbursement available.

Reserve your spot by calling Richland Economic Development at 406-482-4679.