Mount Jefferson Child Development Center staff and board representatives updated the Ashe County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 20, asking for awareness and assistance as they work to increase enrollment and restore federal food-program participation.

The center's director told commissioners the center is licensed for about 100 children but currently has roughly 30 open slots and is actively recruiting. ‘‘We are full staffed. We are in a good shape. We're just need more income,’’ the director said. Center staff said their main barrier is family ability to pay and the temporary suspension of subsidy and some subsidy lists being frozen.

Staff described an administrative problem that removed the center from the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) records after a UEI (unique entity identifier) and address mismatch; center staff said they have resent required documents and an attorney in Raleigh is assisting. While the food program is suspended, the center continues to purchase meals at a cost the director estimated at about $700 per week.

Commissioners asked about capacity, staffing and damage from prior storms; the director said two classrooms were flooded after Helene and that playground and fencing have been replaced. The board encouraged outreach and noted the large local waiting lists for childcare in the county. No county funding decision was made during the meeting.

The county accepted the center's update and commended staff for outreach, and commissioners said they will help amplify recruitment messages and keep the center informed of local subsidy or policy changes that affect child-care access.