OSU Cascades introduces its “Little Kits Early Care” for families in need of affordable child care

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Oregon State University Cascades has unveiled its newest addition to campus the “Little Kits Early Care” child care center, designed to support the families of students, staff, and community members seeking reliable child care.

The 7,200-square-foot facility was funded through federal and state programs and will serve between 50 and 70 children ranging in age from six weeks to three years old.

Sherman Bloomer, Dean of OSU-Cascades, said the center addresses one of Central Oregon’s ongoing challenges. “Like many families in Central Oregon, child care is a struggle” Bloomer said. “There are more slots than there were three years ago from the efforts of a lot of organizations and people but it is still difficult to find and it's difficult to find affordable care for a lot of families.”

The new center is part of OSU-Cascades’ continued efforts to expand access and resources for families connected to the university and the broader Bend community.