Recommendations
Of those responding to the survey:
• 54% prefer child care that is closer to home • 25% prefer child care that is closer to work • 21% had no preference Of those with current child care, 79% indicate that the location is within 10 miles of home or work. • 31% within 2 miles from home or work • 48% within 3-10 miles from home or work
The early childhood education system is complex with many challenges. The system is made up of providers, educators, child care professionals and parents/guardians. They are all key components to making certain that we have a well-prepared workforce in the future and engaged and focused employees today. Below are top-level recommendations to consider where everyone in the community can play a role and be engaged in working toward solutions and improvements. What State / City Leaders Can Do
65% need after-school or summer care.
Support Businesses
44% utilize 20 - 40 hours of child care 33% utilize more than 40 hours of child care
• Provide tax credits for businesses that support their employees’ child care needs/provide child care subsidies. • Invite local businesses to join the governing boards of local early learning collaboratives.
In addition to the quantitative survey, multiple qualitative focus groups were held to gauge the difficulties various industries experience in finding and maintaining child care for their workforce. Industry-specific focus groups looked at the impact on manufacturing, office and shared services, aerospace and defense, and hospitality and retail. Moreover, focus groups were held with those in education and training, foundations and non-profits, and ECCE providers. The focus groups allowed individuals to voice their stories and opinions in more detail and brainstorm immediate and long-term solutions. The data collected from the combined survey and focus groups helped develop the following recommendations.
Support Families
• Expand the amount of the Child Tax/Child Care Tax credit or raise/eliminate the eligibility requirement that the taxpayer’s gross income cannot exceed $100,000 for married couples filing jointly. • Continue to waive co-payments of the Child Care Subsidy Program for low- income families. • Fully fund the child care subsidy program and expand the child care subsidy eligibility. Utilize graduated income levels for child care subsidies.
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