| WORKFORCE OF TODAY | WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW |
| In the face of an increasingly competitive global economy, building a highly skilled workforce is more important than ever. American business depends on a strong workforce, now and in the future, to compete and succeed globally. The ability to recruit and retain top talent is of paramount importance. | Our education system is falling short in preparing students to succeed. Business leaders understand the importance of a well-educated workforce to support a strong economy. What is less discussed is the underestimated phase of education and human development: early childhood education, years 0-8. |
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For American business, advancing high-quality childcare is a winning proposition and a wise investment in America's future. Our goal is to educate and encourage business to make this wise investment.
Roadmap for Supporting Working Parents
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a challenge that was becoming increasingly more difficult even before the public health crisis—finding affordable, quality childcare for working parents throughout the country. Throughout the pandemic, hundreds of employers have reached out to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation seeking solutions to support working parents.
This employer roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours. It also includes information about what to expect on the journey and how to put strategies into action for their business.
Special thanks to Desklight Learning and Aspen Labs for their support in designing and producing this roadmap.
READ THE EMPLOYER ROADMAP
Equity in Childcare is Everyone’s Business
The COVID-19 crisis has not only exacerbated existing inequities in child care access for families, but has also decimated the finances of child care providers, many of whom are women of color already economically disadvantaged by systemic racism and sexism. State and local chambers of commerce are uniquely positioned to offer urgently needed small business resources to child care providers, while also acting as powerful connectors among community leaders interested in supporting families with young children. The Education Trust and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation interviewed child care providers and state and local chamber leaders across the U.S. to identify opportunities for supporting working families with young children by supporting female providers of color.
This report describes these challenges and opportunities and offers recommendations for how state and local chambers of commerce can support working families by supporting female providers of color.
Economic Impact of Childcare Breakdowns in the U.S.
The Untapped Potential reports examine the impact of childcare challenges on the state economies of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Missouri, and Texas. The studies reveal that addressing childcare breakdowns would unlock significant economic potential for states, employers, and working parents. The research finds that due to breakdowns in the childcare system, these states miss an estimated average of $2.7 billion annually for their economies. To address childcare breakdowns both nationally and locally, policymakers have an opportunity to collaborate with the private sector to identify flexible solutions that address existing affordability, access, and quality gaps without restricting parents' options. The 2021 "Untapped Potential" series builds on reports released in 2020, examining childcare challenges in Iowa, Idaho, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.
