Mark Your Calendar
NO KINGS RALLY Sparta, NC
Oct. 18th, 2025
ACDP Forum on Childcare in Ashe County
Childcare Forum Panel, moderated by Sarah Jane Stewart and Donna Apple (not pictured) ,
included from left to right:
Kayla Absher, Director, Generations Ashe Child Development Center
Karen Wolford, Director, Mt. Jefferson Child Development Center at Family Central
Laura Barefoot, Director, West Jefferson United Methodist Church Pre-School
Donna Wilkinson, Director, Learning Thru Play
Debbie Williams, Owner, Learning Thru Play
Also include in the photo: Greg Hopper, Chair of the Ashe Democratic Party and Darlene Sekerak President of the Democratic Women of Ashe.
Please help: ACDP is taking snack donations for Mt. Jefferson Child Development Center.
Suggested items: Goldfish crackers, bananas, apples, cuties (small mandarin oranges), small yogurt cups.
You can drop off your donations at our Democratic HQ, 642 Beaver Creek School Rd., West Jefferson on Fridays from 10am to 2pm.
Or donate directly to the Child Development Center at 626 Ashe Central School Rd, Jefferson, NC 28640.
We, and the children, thank you for your support !!!
What we learned:
1- There are 6 licensed child care centers in Ashe County, all 5 star rated.Ages 0-5 are served and some offer after school care. These centers currently enroll approximately 360 children.In addition, one child care center, operated by the West Jefferson United Methodist Church, is half day and serves 36 children.
2- Some Centers have a wait list, although one has vacancies.Most Centers would increase their enrollment if they could find qualified teachers to hire, and if state subsidies for families were available.These funds have been frozen for nearly a year. Many Centers have a sizable percent of families who receive subsidies.
3- Recruitment and retention of teachers is difficult due to several factors:
Pay is low, starting at $10-$11 entry level to $22 for 4 year college degree.
Benefits like health insurance and retirement are generally not available, only if the Center is affiliated with a larger organization like the school system or the senior center.
Attrition is often to the school system where pay and benefits are better.
Child care and early education is difficult work and requires a passion.
4- The cost of child care ranges from $1000/month for infants and toddlers to $890 for 3 and 4 year olds.
ACDP Board Officers:
Ralph Sorrel, 1st Vice Chair; Nancy Yamashita, Secretary; Darlene Sekerek, DWA President;
Steve Panella, Treasurer; Sarah Jane Stewart, 2nd Vice Chair; Greg Hopper, Chair.
Not shown: Jim Gloster, 3rd Vice Chair.
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