Park City, Utah (Friday, June 23, 2023) – Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance is pleased to announce that Park City Municipal is making a landmark investment of $1 million to expand access to early childhood education and care programs. With unanimous support, City Council members approved the $1 million investment dedicated to early care and education as part of its 2024 budget on June 22, 2023.
“This investment marks a significant milestone for Park City and sets a new standard for Utah in ensuring a bright future for our youngest residents,” said Kristen Schulz, Director of the Early Childhood Alliance. “Park City now joins many other municipalities across the country that are funding early care and education.”
Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance in partnership with local families, local childcare providers and business leaders has been advocating for public funding for many months for its proposed “Park City Cares about Kids” program. With Summit County’s upcoming loss of $2.5 million in federal funding in September, this program helps some Park City parents continue to have access to reasonably affordable, high-quality early care and education for their young children and local employers to have access to local workers.
“Supporting this program helps our community to remain a viable option for working families and a desirable place to raise a family,” said Joel Zarrow, CEO and President of Park City Community Foundation. “Park City’s investment is a crucial piece, and we commend the city for their decision to get involved. But to truly address the early care and education crisis, we need everyone to take part and increase funding over the long-term, including governments at all levels, the business community, philanthropy, and parents.”
“The gap between local affordable childcare need and supply is massive, and it’s about to get much worse with the upcoming loss of federal funding to childcare providers,” continues Schulz. “Investments toward this program help bridge the affordability gap in childcare and support our local childcare providers who directly contribute to the well-being of the entire community. ”
“Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development, Park City has taken the lead among Utah municipalities by prioritizing the well-being and educational needs of its children, as well as addressing the needs of our families and workforce,” said City Council Member, Becca Gerber. “This historic investment underscores the community’s commitment to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that will lay a strong foundation for future generations.”
Park City Community Foundation’s Early Childhood Alliance is proud to have played a part in these efforts, uncovering the needs, data, and opportunities to invest in solutions. The municipality’s commitment to early childhood education and care aligns with research that consistently demonstrates the long-term benefits of high-quality programs. Early childhood education not only enhances children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development but also reduces achievement gaps, fosters a love for learning, and prepares them for a successful transition into elementary school and beyond.
Park City Municipal will be partnering with established early childhood education providers, the Early Childhood Alliance, and community organizations to ensure the successful implementation of this program. The collaboration between public and private sectors will further enrich the quality and diversity of services available, advancing a holistic approach to early childhood development.
About Park City Community Foundation – The Community Foundation plays a vital role in solving the most challenging problems in Park City. We care for and invest in our people, place, and culture by bringing together local nonprofits, donors, and community leaders to contribute financial resources and innovative ideas to benefit all the people of Park City—now and in the future. As the home of Live PC Give PC, Women’s Giving Fund, the Early Childhood Alliance, and other important initiatives, the Community Foundation has brought millions of dollars to the greater Park City community and Summit County. Learn more about donating, volunteering, fundraising and getting involved at parkcitycf.org.
Media Contact: Christine Coleman, Park City Community Foundation, christine@parkcitycf.org, 415-209-8506.
Posted in: Early Childhood