With the number of operational child care programs in the Mid-Columbia down by about half since the onset of the pandemic, there is an effort underway to recruit more to fill the need.  Nancey Patten of Child Care Partners at Columbia Gorge Community College says a number of child care providers closed at least temporarily during the pandemic for both economic and health reasons.  She says now the focus is on opening new programs.  Patten says anyone who is interested in operating a child care program can call her at 541-506-6131.