What often happens for families that have two incomes, particularly working jobs that pay around minimum wage or a bit more, is that paying $6,000 per year, or $12,000 for two kids, to attend childcare is not an economically feasible calculation. “It doesn’t add up — you don’t make enough,” explained Koos. “Lots of families make the decision that it’s more cost-effective for one parent to stay home.” According to Washington Post calculations from the U.S. Census Bureau’s September 2021 Current Population Survey, there are 1.3 million fewer employed mothers than there were in February 2020, but only 734,000 fewer employed fathers, all in the 25 to 54 age category. Oklahoma Sen. Carri Hicks initiated an interim study on childcare in September 2021, which found that 1 in 5 women have left the workforce permanently, citing family obligations as the main reason. That decision then impacts the workforce, leaving their previously-held jobs open and reducing the labor pool. Koos says the phenomenon is very apparent right now in Oklahoma, with a 3 percent unemployment
“It’s going to take money, time and creative thinking to figure out how we manage to provide childcare to those families where parents need to work in an environment where childcare employees can make a living wage.” Paula Koos facilities and other minimum wage jobs. “There aren’t a lot of people floating around to take those minimum wage jobs,” said Koos. rate as of December 2021 and “hiring” signs displayed at fast food restaurants, childcare
When the workforce is saturated and yet jobs remain open, it’s not often childcare jobs that are the most sought-after. Lee adds oftentimes what childcare workers could make is less than what the fast food restaurant down the street could offer them. The Washington Post reported 100,000 fewer childcare workers nationally in October 2020 compared with October 2019. “We can’t [always] compete — and yet the work is so much more important,” said Lee. The Solutions Assistance for providers and families In 2020 and 2021, OKDHS has been able to use federal funds to support the local childcare industry, directly helping childcare providers sustain and thrive during the
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