Article by: Mary Kennedy
CEDA representative Alek Schulz, who serves the City of Montevideo, partnered with Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) to organize a Childcare Appreciation Gathering for childcare providers in Montevideo, Minnesota. On October 7th, 14 providers, representing the local childcare center, as well as in-home child care settings came together for the event. “My main goal in organizing this event was to get local providers together to thank them for their work, and in my opinion that was a success,” said Schulz about the event. The event allowed providers a place to gather and discuss issues they face and obstacles to overcome that lead to running a thriving child care business. “This event opened up the lines of communication that we need to help current providers, and hopefully will set up a good way for new providers to learn from those already in business,” Schulz explained.