PBS Utah Spotlights the Impact of Affordable Childcare in Park City and Summit CountyÂ
PBS Utah recently highlighted the Park City and Summit County Needs Based Child Care Scholarship Program, a local program that is becoming a national model. Watch the full segment here!
Early Childhood Alliance, a Park City Community Foundation initiative focused on convening cross-sector stakeholders and advocating for affordable and high-quality early childcare and education, has been a driving force behind the program. To support the childcare scholarship program, Early Childhood Alliance absorbs all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of public funds go directly to families and providers.
When families have access to affordable childcare, parents can stay in the workforce, households gain stability, and the broader community grows stronger.
The numbers behind the program prove just that. In year two, the program served 162 families and 186 children through 32 local providers, marking 30 percent growth over year one. For every dollar invested, the community saw $4.25 in economic value returned; a 325% return on investment. Families reported real gains too: cost relief, access to higher quality care, and greater stability at work and at home.
“Summit County’s investment in childcare is an investment in our community as a whole,” said Summit County Council Chair Canice Harte. “We’re proud to be part of a model that other communities across the country are now looking to replicate.”
This is the foundation the Early Childhood Alliance was built on. As Park City and Summit County continue to be recognized as a national model for community-based childcare solutions, this work remains a reminder of what’s possible when local leaders, donors, and providers commit to helping families thrive.
