CEATS Regional Child Care Coalition
Capacity. Employment. Assets. Transformation. Stability.
Overview
The CEATS Regional Child Care Coalition is a regional initiative focused on addressing child care as critical workforce infrastructure. CEATS provides a structured framework for coordinated planning across local governments, child care providers, employers, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community partners.
Across the region, child care capacity shortages are limiting workforce participation, affecting employer recruitment, and creating barriers for students enrolled in postsecondary education and workforce training programs. Meeting current and projected demand requires strategic coordination in facility development, workforce alignment, regulatory analysis, and long-term provider sustainability.
CEATS operates under five core pillars:
Capacity – Measuring and expanding available child care seats.
Employment – Aligning child care access with workforce participation and employer demand.
Assets – Planning, developing, and investing in facilities and infrastructure.
Transformation – Addressing regulatory barriers and advancing policy alignment.
Stability – Strengthening provider sustainability through partnerships and funding strategies.
Regional Child Care Needs
Invitation to Join the Coalition
The CEATS Regional Child Care Coalition is currently forming. Local governments, agencies, and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to engage during this initial organizational phase.
A draft Authorizing Resolution and Executive Order template is available for governing bodies wishing to formally participate in the Coalition.
County Judge-Executives will appoint one Steering Committee member to represent each participating county. Gateway Community Action will serve as a regional Steering Committee member. While the Steering Committee provides formal guidance and voting authority, the Coalition remains open to broader participation.
Who May Participate?
The Coalition welcomes participation from:
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County and city governments
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Child care providers
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Employers and industry leaders
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School districts and postsecondary institutions
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Workforce development agencies
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Community and nonprofit organizations
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Economic development entities
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State and regional partners
Participation does not obligate financial commitment. The Coalition serves as a coordinated forum for planning, collaboration, data sharing, and strategic development related to child care capacity and workforce infrastructure.
Organizations interested in joining the CEATS Regional Child Care Coalition may contact Gateway Area Development District for additional information.
Coalition Next Steps
CEATS Regional Child Care Coalition Members
Bath County -
Menifee County -
Montgomery County -
Morgan County -
Rowan County -
Regional -