Improving access to affordable, reliable child care is becoming an increasingly important issue for families, employers, and local leaders in Perry County.
Bryant Wolfin, who represents District 145 in the House of Representatives, recently visited M&M's Kids Kampus in Perryville to gain a firsthand look at the challenges child care providers face in the community.
Since early 2025, local business leaders and child care providers have worked together to develop an action plan aimed at addressing child care needs across the county. That effort has been supported by Kids Win and the Perry County Economic Development Authority, which have helped bring attention to the issue and coordinate discussions among stakeholders.
Educating policymakers at all levels has been a central part of the initiative. As part of that effort, staff at M&M's Kids Kampus invited Wolfin to tour the facility and learn more about daily operations, staffing needs, and the long-term challenges faced by child care providers.
"Expanded support for child care providers is critical to stabilizing the workforce and allowing providers like us to grow," said Meg Layton, co- director of M&M's Kids Kampus. Co-director Mindy Moffitt added that investing in child care now helps families remain in the workforce while also benefiting employers and the broader community.
During the visit, Wolfin learned about licensing and accreditation requirements, as well as the difficulty providers face navigating regulations from multiple agencies. Discussion also included the recently launched Child Care Works program and concerns about sustaining funding beyond its initial year.
The Child Care Works program is designed to expand access to quality child care through community- based solutions and shared funding among public and private partners. Supporters say the program offers providers.
"Expanded support for child care providers is critical to stabilizing the workforce and allowing providers like us to grow," said Meg Layton, co- director of M&M's Kids Kampus. Co-director Mindy Moffitt added that investing in child care now helps families remain in the workforce while also benefiting employers and the broader community.
During the visit, Wolfin learned about licensing and accreditation requirements, as well as the difficulty providers face navigating regulations from multiple agencies. Discussion also included the recently launched Child Care Works program and concerns about sustaining funding beyond its initial year.
The Child Care Works program is designed to expand access to quality child care through community- based solutions and shared funding among public and private partners. Supporters say the program offers
