Sitkans convened last week (8-6-26) to brainstorm solutions to the community’s current childcare shortage. The half-day summit, hosted by the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce, looked to foster discussions that would help draft a three-year roadmap for funding and care.
“We have filled this room with such a diverse amount of people and perspectives, and that was the ultimate goal,” said Rachel Roy, the chamber’s director, addressing nearly 50 community members and representatives from state and national childcare organizations.
Earlier this year, the city commissioned a childcare study from a regional nonprofit. The 30-page report said childcare capacity in Sitka only meets half of the current need.
Roy said availability mainly comes down to funding, so money was central to the conversation. Sitka School District Superintendent Diedre Jenson said early childhood care is crucial for children and the community.
“This is an investment,” Jenson said. “We have to invest in our children because that is the future.”
The summit’s breakout sessions focused on a number of key areas, from supporting childcare career pathways, to stabilizing existing programs and examining opportunities for public-private partnerships.
Each person then shared their most promising idea and how they plan to push forward over the next three years. They landed on sustainable funding and outreach.
Roy said she doesn’t want a lack of childcare to keep workers from accepting jobs or rising into leadership positions in Sitka. And she said the conversations at the summit are a step in the right direction.
