Daycare Shortage Strains Odessa Families and Providers
Odessa faces a child care squeeze as infant slots are scarce and wages lag. Workforce Solutions funds part of daycare costs through West Texas Opportunities, with about 600 children on the waiting list. Employers remain flexible, but access remains tight amid a booming local economy and high qualification barriers for new daycare directors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Zentner
Workforce Solutions
Permian Basin
West Texas Opportunities
Gail Dickenson
Dickenson
Odessa
Jackie Apodaca
Daycare Startup Grants Face Tight Rules Say Local Officials
Local officials report grants for home daycare startups face strict requirements that deter applicants. Coggins notes Texas Workforce Commission funding for in home centers is unlikely to attract many due to barriers. Dickenson highlights United Way funds unused after applicants failed to meet criteria. Zentner credits family help but believes daycare suits her child’s development. OA staff writer Jocelyn Foster contributed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Coggins
Texas Workforce Commission
Dickenson
West Texas Opportunities
United Way
Zentner
Jocelyn Foster
Oldest Habitat chapter settles suit with Habitat for Humanity
The San Antonio affiliate, the oldest Habitat chapter, settled its lawsuit to remain under Habitat for Humanity for three years and avoid changes to the affiliate agreement. It will keep its name, property, assets, and donor list while operating independently within the umbrella. Institutional spokesman Duane Bates said most affiliates already signed the agreement and no other lawsuits are pending.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San Antonio
Habitat For Humanity
International Organization
Habitat For Humanity of
Habitat
International Group
Stephanie Wiese
Americus
San Antonio Group
Duane Bates
Bates
County considers outlawing trash burning countywide
Ector County Commissioner Barbara Graff urged following city limits by outlawing trash burning due to health concerns. Gardner questioned how a county trash program could be funded, noting a possible future lift of the burn ban remains uncertain. The drought disaster declaration stays in effect as fireworks policy shifts at the state level.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barbara Graff
Ector County
Gardner
Graff
Commissioners Court
Also Mentioned on This Page
Enson
Linda Coggins
Texas Licensed
Child Care Association
Linda
Little Angels
Mark Sterkel
THE
Associated Press
Fin
Livingston
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