Winona County is located in Southeast Minnesota on the picturesque bluffs of the Mississippi River. The county has incorporated old-world charm with sophisticated restaurants and family activities. The population of Winona County is around 50,500. Projections over the next 20 years indicate a net loss in population for the Southeast region of Minnesota, but an estimated 16.6% increase in the number of children under the age of 5.
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Winona County’s primary industries are manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade. Winona County has also long been a center for higher education with two Universities and a community and technical college. Winona County is experiencing very low unemployment with a projected increase of about 8% of 20-44 year olds in jobs previously held by newly retiring workers, putting more pressure on an already strained child care system.
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Though there are 6 child care centers in Winona County, not all of the centers provide care for infants and toddlers, an age group that parents report having the hardest time finding care. As of early June 2019, Winona County had an additional 91 licensed family child care providers and a potential need for at least 457 slots for children under the age of 5 where all parents are in the work force.