Feasibility Study for Non-Profit Child Care Project

Vicki Stoecklin, Education & Child Development Director, has been working in the local community of Kansas City, Kansas, to determine the need for expanding an early care and education program. The St. Benedict's Early Education Center serves families from low-income areas using a mixed funding model.

The center is operated by Catholic Charities, a non-profit organization serving more than 75,000 families of all faiths. Agency services include health, mental health, immigrant support, child and family services and early care and education. More than 70 children, from infants to pre-kindergarten, attend the comprehensive program funded by school district, Early Head Start, Head Start and state Pre-K monies. The center has received accreditation from NAEYC and provides additional services to teen mothers and immigrant families.

Vicki's childcare market feasibility study explores the need for additional slots to serve both low-income families and families who can pay market rate for early care and education services. The study will evaluate services provided by the existing program, analyze the center's location, study the ZIP codes for existing students and project market demands.