KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Childcare costs across the country are rising and it's no different in East Tennessee. More affordable childcare may be on the way for Knoxville, thanks to a local community center. The Wesley House made some improvements to qualify for government funding for afterschool care.
The Wesley House Community Center offers high-quality, affordable and accessible childcare for the Beaumont, Lonsdale and Mechanicsville communities.
In order to be a licensed childcare center and receive federal funding, it needed improvements like flooring repairs and ADA-compliant restrooms. These were a part of the Phase One of its capital campaign. The building was constructed in 1951 and the last renovation was in the 1970s.
"Childcare is a big expense," said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. "And so not only is it a big expense, you want to go to a place where your family and you feel confident that your kids are getting well taken care of. They're being nurtured and they're being loved, and also that they're in a safe space. "
Currently, it costs $19 a week for one child to attend the after-school program. But with a license from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Kara Finger, the executive director, said the cost will be covered.
"Once we're licensed, that will be covered at 100% through the voucher system, through the state, and we knew that was critical to serve our families the way that they needed and the way that they deserved," said Finger. "Even though $19 a week sounds really affordable, it's not affordable to everyone and so for them to be able to apply for the state apply for a voucher and get reimbursed from the state is huge and it's a game changer."
Teresa Walden said all her four of her daughters have gone to the center. She says as a single mother, she's thankful for the low cost and quality of childcare offered.
"They get tutoring," said Walden. "And on top of things with me being a single mom, I can't always go to different clubs and group events, and the Wesley House offers that for the girls and guys of the Wesley House."
Kara said it's important to have affordable and accessible childcare to help communities thrive.
"If parents don't have quality childcare, they can't join the workforce. Or if their child, if they're sick, or their child's sick, or daycare's closed — it just creates a huge problem, and so quality accessible and affordable childcare is critical to a healthy economy and Knoxville," said Finger.
Wesley House has raised nearly $2.2 million in its capital campaign as of Tuesday, May 14. The goal is to get $3 million to cover all the improvements.
The second phase and third phase focus on other improvements. Phase Two covers things like plumbing improvements, new windows and other improvements that aren't needed to receive a license. Phase Three will cover things like new furniture in classrooms.
Finger said Wesley House did not close during renovations, but they had to follow guidelines like only being open for three hours a day. She said Kaiser Restorations worked around the schedule to finish these renovations, from last fall to now.