Kirksville Child Care
The Kirksville child care expansion is a strong example of community-driven solutions in action. Led by Traci Lawrence, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of the North East (CAPNEMO) and Jenn Vaughn, Head Start Director, the project focuses on increasing access to safe, affordable child care for families in the Kirksville region.
As Traci shared, “Enhancing access to safe, affordable childcare was important to us because we understand it strengthens communities and promotes long-term economic stability for families and the broader community.” Expanding access helps fill critical gaps, supports working families, and ensures children have consistent, high-quality early learning environments.
CAPNEMO identified child care as a key barrier for families. As Jenn noted, “We identified that the lack of childcare was often a barrier to families improving their circumstances.” With support from Kids Win Missouri and strong local investment, the community came together to make this project possible.
The response has been powerful. “Not only did we meet the community match for the Innovation Grant, but we had dozens of volunteers to help prepare the facility for renovations,” Vaughn shared. The project will add 32 new infant and toddler slots this fall, significantly increasing access for families with the greatest need.