TGHA and First Steps homebased childcare program graduates five

GREENVILLE, SC – The first cohort of a new program aimed to increase the number of homebased childcare providers graduated this week.

The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA), Greenville First Steps, SC Childcare Resource and Referral (CCRR), the Palmetto Shared Services Alliance (PSSA) and other community partners came together earlier this year to create a training program to establish and sustain 10 homebased childcare providers with a priority given to communities that lack access to affordable, reliable and high-quality care.

The first graduates are: Janella Bray, Cynthia Harrison, Lillie Allen, Evette Butler and Shamaine Benson.

Each graduate completed 10 weeks of free orientation and training to be childcare providers. Now the graduates will get their homes ready to be used as childcare centers and obtain licensing from the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Greenville First Steps plans to provide up to $4,000 for the new providers to purchase materials and supplies.

“This a great opportunity for people who want to spark their entrepreneurial spirit,” said Jenneh Jones, Director of MTW FSS-Economic Mobility for the TGHA.

South Carolina has roughly 221,690 children under age five with a potential need for formal childcare, but only 206,520 licensed or registered spots are available. This leaves nearly 28,350 young children completely without formal spots, according to data from the Bipartistan Policy Center.

Homebased childcare facilities help bridge these gaps by offering lower overhead and costs, the need for less staff and smaller sizes that many parents of infants and toddlers want.

“We have seen homebased childcare help create more opportunities across the board,” said Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenville First Steps. “This program has a lot of potential to make a positive impact on our community.”

About TGHA:

The Greenville Housing Authority administers federal funds and provides vouchers for 3,000 households which serve nearly 9,000 members including the elderly, disabled, veterans and children disabled households. TGHA issues payments of $30 million to private property owners annually. It plans, undertakes, finances, constructs and operates affordable housing projects and programs in the city of Greenville and Greenville County. Learn more at tgha.net.