Families across Daviess County are struggling to find affordable childcare, a challenge now being addressed through a partnership between the Southern Indiana Development Commission and the IU Center for Rural Engagement’s Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative. The collaboration brought IU students, faculty, and local leaders together to study the issue and propose solutions, including exploring Michigan’s Tri-Share Model, which splits childcare costs between parents, employers, and the state. According to a 2024 report, Daviess County had just 824 childcare slots for more than 1,300 children in need, leaving many families without options, especially those working evenings or weekends. The shortage also costs local employers an estimated $7 million annually in lost productivity. The effort supports the county’s childcare coalition, which includes the Daviess County Community Foundation, YMCA, and Washington Community Schools. Their shared goal is to expand childcare capacity, train staff, and increase access for working families.
