NORWICH – More than two years after the increased costs of operation and declining enrollment forced Catholic Charities of Chenango County to close The Children’s Center in Norwich, the Family Enrichment Network of Chenango County is taking steps to return a full-day child care facility to the area.

According to the Family Enrichment Network, talks to provide a county-wide child care center have made significant progress since the idea was first brought to the table last summer. With support from area residents, businesses, and community leaders, the agency says it has identified an indisputable need for certified child care in Chenango County and is actively working to bring the idea to fruition.

The Family Enrichment Network says a child care center would serve a threefold purpose. First, it would provide up to 64 children with an educational and quality care component that has not been available since The Children’s Center closed in 2011. Second, access to affordable quality child care would eliminate one of the barriers that prevents parents from gaining and maintaining employment. Lastly, it would provide up to 14 new jobs – six teachers, six teaching assistants, a site director, and a maintenance person.