Grant County is no longer considered a “Childcare Desert” for 3-to-5-year-olds
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
JOHN DAY – Humbolt Elementary School’s Dean of Students, Charissa Moulton, and Village Childcare Director Kitman Kienzle, were on KJDY’s Coffee Time to discuss early childhood education. During the visit, Kienzle provided an update on the local childcare shortage:
“Between the work that the Grant County Childcare Committee has done; between the school districts all opening childcare centers, we’re seeing a new wave of childcare slots opening. Officially, as of July, Grant County is no longer a “Childcare Desert” for three-to-five-year-olds.”
A Childcare Desert means that there are at least three times the number of children needing care than there are available slots in the area. Kienzle mentioned that childcare numbers are improving statewide.
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