CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) - With a growing population, Chatham County is working to make sure affordable and quality childcare is available. Chatham County official, Tara Jennings spoke with News 3 about the plan going forward. “Childcare and quality childcare we have known for quite some time is the cornerstone for people to have quality of life, whether that be workforce, housing, whatever it may be,” Jennings explained. “So, a strong educational foundation is how we feel like people should start.” Jennings said there are multiple factors that are straining the childcare system including cost, capacity, salaries and new requirements. “We have quality-rated childcare centers,  which means that the lead staff in the childcare centers have to have certain training and certain experiences,” she said. “Probably 10 to 15 years ago, that wasn't a requirement. Over time, it's been steadily increasing.  That's made it harder for people to actually fit the criteria to be a lead teacher in a childcare center.” Through research, she has learned that infant care is the hardest to find and most expensive. One of their most recent projects, an early childhood learning center on Savannah's east side, aims to address these challenges “It's that six weeks to two-year-olds that we don't have a lot of quality care for,” Jennings told News 3. “So, this childcare center will be focused on the infant toddler space.” It is a joint effort with the city of Savannah, costing upwards of $10.3M. The center will serve up to 144 children. “Within that, we know that there's going to need to be some scholarship opportunities or some support for families.  and so, as we move into the operation and selecting an operator, we will be very intentional to find someone who can not only secure federal funds, but state dollars and philanthropy dollars to lower the parent portion of that.” Jennings said this is a step forward to expanding opportunity in Chatham County. “How much influence they have on a child's early education, that will protect them for the rest of life,” she said. “It's something we decided to invest in.” We are told there is no specific completion date for this project at this time.