Workforce Participation
Once participating in the ACCM Pilot Program, many parents were able to join the workforce, advance in their careers, or advance in their education. Multiple parents in the ACCM Pilot Program focus groups directly attributed being able to join the workforce or advancing in their careers to having access to stable child care through the ACCM Pilot Program. These parents described how access to regular child care through the program meant that they no longer had to balance work and provide care for their child or constantly seek care arrangements. With the ability to devote more time and effort to their careers, parents felt more stability in their employment and were able to delve deeper into their careers. Some parents even reported exploring new careers that better fit their interests, skill sets, and training. Many parents also reported being able to work full time due to the ACCM Pilot Program. According to ACCM Pilot Program data, 80 percent of parents actively enrolled in the ACCM Pilot Program worked Monday through Friday. Additionally, over 80 percent of parents who reported working hours worked full time (40-60 hours per week). With the ability to work, parents were able to participate in a wide range of professions in the labor force and contribute to the local economy. “I worked from home as a loan officer for a nonprofit… I was kind of stuck there… But once I was able to put [my child] in daycare, I elevated. I’m now a branch manager at a bank.” - Participant from parent focus group “For a lot of parents to get a job and maybe get out of the welfare cycle… you're stuck between a rock and a hard place… you're in that situation where you don't have anybody to watch your kid while you're at work… [The ACCM Pilot Program] allows people to get unstuck and build their lives up.” - Participant from parent focus group During the ACCM Pilot Program focus groups, child care providers also discussed how many parents struggled to work due to lack of access to care. They saw child care as an important resource not only for children, but also their parents. These providers also perceived the ACCM Pilot Program as a bridge to workforce participation. “So, because of the income bracket being higher, we are able to service those younger families which is great because that way they can go out and work as well and still afford child care.” - Participant from provider focus group Multiple parents who participated in the ACCM Pilot Program were early childhood professionals who were able to work more hours and advance their careers . This is particularly important, given the challenges in recruiting and retaining members of this workforce (described above in Section I). Likewise, during the ACCM Pilot Program focus groups, several providers also discussed colleagues (other providers) who benefited from the ACCM Pilot Program. They noted that other providers were able to take on more hours, receive wage increases, or get promoted.
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