Thanks to a partnership with the Ozarks Regional YMCA and Skaggs Foundation, Ozarks Tech students who are parents and guardians will soon have an additional resource to help them succeed in their academic journey.

A new child care program will soon be underway at the Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus. The project is an example of community partnership at its best. Thanks to a $35,075 grant from the Skaggs Foundation, space will be renovated on the ground floor of the Ozarks Tech Table Rock building. While Ozarks Tech is providing the space, the child care program will be administered and staffed through an agreement with the Ozarks Regional YMCA.

The Skaggs Foundation’s mission is to support and lead initiatives that improve health and wellness in Stone and Taney counties and the Ozarks Regional YMCA has more than 30 years of experience partnering with local schools to provide care.

“It’s a privilege to work with so many dedicated organizations, and we are excited to see the incredible work that will continue to grow from these grants,” said Skaggs Legacy Grant Administrator Nyssa Berhorst. “By supporting the Jr. Eagles Program at the Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus, we are helping parents pursue their education and careers while ensuring their children have access to a nurturing, supportive environment.”

“Our partnership with OTC is vital in addressing the growing need for child care, ensuring that students and their families have the support necessary to pursue their education effectively,” said Megan McCormick, senior vice president of operations, Ozarks Regional YMCA.

The program will provide safe and accessible care for children aged six weeks to 12 years old. Students can purchase packages for care, up to 20 hours a week, that best match their class schedule needs.

“It is gratifying to see the college identify a need and then partner with our community to fill it,” said Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus President Robert Griffith. “This program will help create greater pathways to higher education and increase opportunities for area students.”   

The new child care program will be available to students at the Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus in January 2025.