Early Care and Development Foundation of Becker County Takes on Child-Care Shortage 

The Early Care and Development Foundation of Becker County (ECDF) is strengthening communities across the county by supporting child-care providers and expanding access to high-quality care and education.

The need for expanded child care in Becker County has been clear for several years. A 2019 needs analysis, conducted by First Children’s Finance, found a shortage of more than 600 child-care spots, particularly for infants and toddlers—creating significant challenges for families and the local workforce.

In response, community leaders partnered with First Children’s Finance to better understand the barriers child-care providers face. That two-year collaboration led to the formation of the ECDF in 2022. Leaders identified key challenges to entering and remaining in the field and established the foundation to address them.

A follow-up needs analysis in June 2025 confirmed that the gap persists, with Becker County still facing a shortage of more than 600 child-care spots to meet community demand.

“We’re figuring out how to encourage providers to continue on and get more people into the field,” said Eric Rotter, ECDF advisory board member and Laker Prep co-director in Detroit Lakes. “Our foundation can help a new provider get the supplies they need to get started.” 

ECDF Works to Retain and Gain Child-Care Providers 

Each year, ECDF hosts two grant rounds––one in the spring and one in the fall. Grants go directly to child-care providers to support projects that strengthen programs and expand capacity. Providers have used grant dollars to make safety improvements, hire teaching assistants to expand capacity, and purchase materials to encourage learning and play, including outdoor equipment and sensory and dramatic play materials.

“These are projects providers often can’t find other funding for, but they make a big difference,” said Katie Poppler, ECDF secretary and Essentia Health staff member.

For communities and families, access to reliable child care is essential to economic growth and quality of life.

“People can’t move here if there isn’t a place for their kids to grow, learn, and be safe,” said Poppler. “When families are supported, communities and local economies are stronger.”

Caring for Caregivers Starts with Community

ECDF is a Component Fund of West Central Initiative, a partnership that allows the ECDF to receive tax-deductible donations and distribute grants that directly support child-care providers in Becker County.

Funding for ECDF is made possible through the support of the City of Detroit Lakes, Becker County, Essentia Health, and individual donors. All contributions stay local. “An investment in child care is an investment in the community,” Rotter said. “Businesses can’t grow and expand if families don’t have access to high-quality child care.”

Visit the ECDF Fund Page to learn more or make a donation.