East Grand Forks, Polk County still fighting for child care

East Grand Forks, Polk County still fighting for child care

EAST GRAND FORKS — East Grand Forks and Polk County are a child care desert. In 2024, there was a need for 252 spots in East Grand Forks and an overall deficit in Polk County, according to a supply-demand gap survey done by First Children’s Finance Minnesota. As grant money has run out and expenses grow, the problem could get worse. Now, the county, licensors and providers are searching for ways to end the stigma around child care, inspire more …