The road to revamping quality childcare access for our community’s families is long. Yet, the collaborative and determined nature of Pulaski residents like Kimberly Shidler makes it all possible.
Kim was born and raised in Pulaski County and is now the Relationship Manager for Alliance Bank in Pulaski and White Counties. Her local roots are the foundation of her genuine hometown grit and determination. As a founding member of the Quality Childcare Coalition and the driving force behind our efforts, she’s loving every minute of it.
“Community is everything. Where we live, where we work, what we have to offer others, what we choose to make it, and who we are when we come together, I take pride in serving it all,” Kim says.” My favorite thing about working in Pulaski County is collaborating and networking with others who believe in us as much as I do. We achieve great things when we work together.”
Kim is more than just talk. She has seen firsthand what the little ones in our rural community need to thrive.
“From 2010 to 2015, I worked within a community elementary school system. These years were a real eye-opener to me to the developmental delays my mentor and I focused on,” Kim says. “Fast forward to the present day, our children continue to struggle to keep up with state standards. There are now even fewer childcare providers, and it complicates the financial equation for parents.”
That’s exactly why Kim puts her whole self into this work. She believes—just like we do—that when we put our heads together, we can create something wonderful for our children and families.
“Employers, educators, and communities have a huge opportunity for community growth before us. Without intervention, our children and families will continue to go without,” explains Kim. “Families who receive affordable quality childcare can choose to increase their household income, and Pulaski County employers will stop losing $2.6 million annually because of absences and turnover due to childcare. Overall, affordable quality childcare will ensure that our rural communities grow & thrive for years to come.”
Want to learn more about how we’re tackling Pulaski County’s childcare challenge? Click here!
Are you ready to chip in and help our community’s little ones? Every dollar makes a difference—donate today!