The Siuslaw Region

Florence and the surrounding communities of Mapleton, Deadwood, Swisshome, Dunes City, Glenada, and Westlake are a state-designated childcare desert. The region has 640 children aged 0-5 years, but only 152 childcare slots (licensed and exempt), including Head Start. More than 75% of our children have no childcare or early learning opportunities.

By this measure, we are depriving our children of the key to better, more successful lives.