The first round of a new daycare training program with Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) is just getting underway, and will hopefully continue with more. That's from Skills Up Family Child Care Coordinator Heidi Adams.

"This round of the project is scheduled until September," says Adams. "So, what we'll be doing is holding two information sessions in the next two weeks, trying to get 15 participants signed up. They will then have 15 weeks of classes. In these classes, they'll receive their CCA certificates. So, they'll be doing their 40 hours."

Adams explains those involved will obtain their food handlers license, perform their First Aid CPR training as well as WEVAS training, hear presentations from Meyers Norris Penny as well as different law firms, and Southern Health-Santé Sud will bring in a dietician for a presentation. She says this will provide some great groundwork for a successful daycare.

"After that, we'll be helping them through the licensing process and helping them set up their own daycares, and then we'll follow up with them," she adds.

There are 400 children on a waiting list, and it's a two-year time period to a child care spot in Portage. They're hoping to shorten that list with the new daycares to get parents back to work. Adams adds their goal is to continue these rounds of instruction.