The Summit Hill Childcare Development Project

The Summit Hill Childcare Development aims to provide opportunities for high-quality childcare in northwest Bloomington, prioritizing the children living in a Bloomington Housing Authority Unit. The project intends to construct and operate a Crestmont Neighborhood Facility, at the corner of 14th and Monroe Street, which will host an Early Head Start Program serving 16 infants and toddlers. Ultimately, we hope to increase access to childcare in an area where it is highly needed.

The Need for Affordable Childcare in Monroe County

  • There are incredibly limited options that many median wage and minimum wage workers can afford.
  • Most childcare options are part-time, too expensive, and out of the way for the working people.
  • 68 children aged six weeks to three years reside in Bloomington Housing Authority’s Public Housing Units, where parents are already burdened by affording a home, health needs, as well as continuing education.

Our Goals

  • Create more childcare spaces that are affordable, year-round, high quality, in proximity to jobs, and aligned with public transit options.
  • Ensure the affordability of the childcare for hourly workers while focusing on infant care, as childcare should support working people’s needs and fill gaps in current offerings.

The Intentional Community for Single Parents

The first floor of the Crestmont Facility at the corner of 14th Street and Monroe Street will be used for the Early Head Start Program, and the second level will be 3 two-bedroom apartments targeted to families at 50% area family median income or below, offering a comprehensive, holistic continuum of care that meets single parents with children where they are and empowers them toward their educational, career and family goals.

Educational Support

The model aims to help single parents access financial assistance to pay for tuition and additional expenses at a secondary or post-secondary institution of education. Through financial aid, Pell grants, scholarships, and sometimes student loans, participants attend school on a full-time basis.

Supportive Housing

Participants in the program can apply for subsidized housing on our campuses in accordance with HUD guidelines. Participants will be responsible for their portion of the rent based upon HUD guidelines and their own utilities.

Participant Advocacy

We hope to connect participants with community resources and advocate on their behalf to help them address barriers to their education and employment. We hope to help with applying for welfare benefits, developing self-sufficiency skills such as time management and independent living, and offering various peer support activities to build a sense of community.

The Site Plan

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