Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Lamoille County Planning Commission (LCPC), through a Consortium Municipal Planning grant from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) is conducting a study of the infrastructure barriers to childcare. The demand for childcare exceeds the current infrastructure capacity within Lamoille. There is a well-documented need for childcare, and few options for increasing current capacity. Further research is needed to determine why there are limited childcare opportunities and what the options are for adding capacity within the county. It is important to determine the issues preventing additional childcare. The lack of childcare is negatively impacting our communities, restricting economic development, and creating hardships for families and businesses. Covid-19 exacerbated the childcare problem and continues to be an issue in Lamoille. Children ages 0-2 are experiencing continued disruptions in quality childcare, further limiting their family’s capacity for workplace and societal contributions. Towns involved in the project include Cambridge, Johnson, Stowe, and Wolcott. These four communities are located across the county and offer a substantial opportunity for families to utilize childcare either in their home community or along their commute. LCPC will select a consultant to analyze the options for childcare facilities within each of these municipalities. LCPC has conducted preliminary research into existing water/wastewater infrastructure, potential childcare site locations, active childcare providers, and an overview of the state childcare licensing regulations as it pertains to the physical building/facilities. This information will be provided to the selected consultant. The selected consultant will work with LCPC, the Lamoille Family Center, consultant with engineering expertise, and the participating municipalities to identify prospective childcare sites, examine potential for expansion at existing childcare locations, and provide an analysis of what is needed to meet the predicted childcare needs as outlined in the 2021 Study.
