Courtesy photo
U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (center) and Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (right) attend the grand opening of the Nevada Strong Start Child Care Services Center in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 | 2 a.m.
Anitra Lott launched her child care business in east Las Vegas at the beginning of the pandemic to help fill a void in her community.
But before she could welcome any children, there was a litany of paperwork to complete and licenses to acquire from a variety of agencies. She’d leave messages, and wait for a delayed response.
That process could become easier throughout the state for providers like Lott, as the Nevada Strong Start Child Care Services Center debuted this week on East Flamingo Road. Another center will soon open in the Reno area.
The centers are designed to aid child care providers with resources, support and information all in the same location. It’s billed as a one-stop hub.
“I can’t wait to see what we can get done,” Lott said.
Lott was blown away that Nevada’s federal delegation and Gov. Steve Sisolak were working behind the scenes to help get the center launched. They attended the grand opening of the facility on Tuesday.
“It’s a blessing to have their support. I feel like someone is finally listening,” she said.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee said 75% of children in Nevada live in areas with no affordable child care, noting “we can all agree that’s not acceptable.”
Lott hopes to do her part in solving that problem with Kingdoms Daycare, a home facility that started small with six children.
“My heart breaks for these parents,” Lott said. “Access to children care directly affects communities like mine.”
Sisolak said it was important to expand quality child care throughout the state, especially when considering the barriers some families faced during the pandemic. Some had to pick between attending work or staying at home to assist their children with remote learning.
“Well-supported child care providers mean well-supported children and their families,” Sisolak said.
That sentiment was echoed by U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., who said, “Nevada parents have gone above and beyond to care for their families.”
The resource center was funded in part with federal coronavirus relief dollars. They will also connect parents to financial assistance options and child care subsidy assistance.
“We have to make sure we are doing right by our children and their families,” said U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.
Providers and family can access the center’s online portal at NevadaChildCare.org.
