Parents say it's far easier to find a job than to secure affordable childcare, according to two reports just released by economic development organization The Right Place, and childcare nonprofit Vibrant Futures, who’s CEO Chana Edmond-Verley says it’s a two-pronged issue: not enough childcare available, and what is... is too expensive.
“What we’re finding is the number one issue is affordability over actually accessibility. Certainly, availability is coming in at about 40-something percent, 50-something percent but in Kent County nearly 70% reported affordability was the issue.”
Findings come from surveys of parents and business leaders representing 40,000 workers in Barry, Kent, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.
Researchers say lack of childcare keeps thousands of employees out of the workforce, costing the region $279 million in missed economic performance. One solution is cost-sharing programs like Tri-Share.
“What that is is a share of the cost between employers, the State of Michigan and the employee, and that has had a credible effect and now what does it take to expand it.”
She says 99% of business owners surveyed were interested in contributing to childcare solutions. Another research report focusing on input from childcare providers will be published in March.
