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REA-D KIDZ Learning & Development Center
PROVIDING ON-SITE CHILD CARE FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS THAT FIT THEIR SCHEDULES!
REA-D Kidz Learning & Development Center is the newest and first pillar in region’s initiatives to tackle the child care needs of tradespeople. It is still at a pilot stage, and was developed by Diamond Gorman, owner of REA-D Employment Agency LLC. This business was started because Diamond is a mother of 3 and has experienced firsthand the barrier put on construction working families as it pertains to employment verses childcare needs. “As an owner of a subcontracting company, I have had to leave active work zone sites in fear of not being able to make it to pick my children up from school on time. And trust me it is not a good feeling.” REA-D Kidz is slowly but surely working diligently to gain the support of the city of Norfolk and various other government funded programs to be the 1st on-site child care facility located in the industrial business area of Norfolk. While Virginia Department of Transportation are focused on improving the infrastructure throughout the Hampton Roads and include diversified businesses, REA-D Kidz’ goal is to improve the retention of construction workers by providing women and men child care that matches the construction industry working and commuting times.
Getting to construction sites can require leaving the house at 4:30 or 5am, but few childcare centers open before 6 am. And often times tradesmen can not leave the jobsites until the prime completes the project which often times is no set time. REA-D Kidz will build an informal relationship with the prime contractors of Hampton Roads and VDOT organizing hours, for the on-site childcare facility. The facility will able to provide 24 hour care, including when children are sick, extended/flexible hours, and provide transportation to and from school for older children not needing daily care.
Tradesmen at all levels in the industry face two major problems; funding during pre-apprentices and early term apprentices until their wages and hours reach a level at which they can afford care and finding reliable care to cover construction hours. REA-D Kidz will provide the space and funded support to help alleviate those common problems. Our goal is for our families to receive negotiated/ discounted rates. The expectation is that funding for the program will come directly from industry and private donations. REA-D Kidz is working to expand its funding from industry, and is also planning to apply for grants and public funding, to help pay for its work as an intermediary and to secure child care slots for our Hampton Roads families. As part of its goal of diversifying the trades, REA-D Kidz also hopes to raise funds to subsidize child care costs for women and men of color who are in apprenticeship programs not covered through Social Services.
SUPPORT OUR WORKERS!
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
