This priority was also included in each of the three counties’ past community plans as well as showing up as a theme is several local assessments. Some of the gaps identified in the community forums are transportation to preschool, night shift/swing shift childcare, respite care, five year olds not being ready for kindergarten, and access to affordable daycare options.

This priority was identified as a gap during the community forum and also listed as a gap in assessments for the three counties in the JMP ECI area. Specific gaps include occupational support and work force development as well as alcohol and drug counseling. Other education needs were positive parenting skills and education on the systemic factors that affect parents’ ability to provide quality care for their children.

This priority is central to the new merged area and was included in past community plans. The recent community forum included the theme collaboration, specifically stating that groups within and beyond county borders have difficulty communicating. Mentioned by some of the counties in the JMP ECI area was the issue that some providers work in isolation, thus limiting the ability to communicate and collaborate.