Early Childhood Education

February 27, 2020

The Chamber Foundation partnered with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children on this report to better understand the unique needs of Iowa’s working parents and examine the current childcare landscape.

Data

Untapped Potential: Economic Impact of Childcare Breakdowns on U.S. States

February 28, 2020

Building on the work of other states, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation partnered with the business communities in Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania to understand just how much breakdowns in childcare cost each state. In this study we looked at the causes of childcare challenges as well as motivations behind why parents select various childcare providers. Knowing many employers want to facilitate more access to childcare but do not know where to begin, we sought to learn what types of childcare benefits working parents desire most from employers.

Data

CCR&R: Helping Families, Improving Quality, and Building Supply of Childcare

Jen Bump, Senior Advisor, Child Care Aware of America

February 20, 2020

A two-generation approach is needed to ensure today’s workforce can make productive contributions now, while tomorrow’s workforce is prepared and positioned to take on what the future holds. America’s need for high-quality, affordable childcare is so great, it will take efforts by all of us to make the system work. Child Care Aware® of America discusses the grassroots effort of CCR&Rs.

Community Improvement

Taking Action on Childcare

Jen Bump, Senior Advisor, Child Care Aware of America

January 30, 2020

As a business leader, you’ve noticed it is becoming more and more difficult to hire and retain qualified workers. You’ve likely even considered the longer-term scenarios – will it be even more challenging to secure a reliable and productive workforce 5 or 10 or even 20 years from now?

Mindy Bennett, Child Care Aware of America

K-12 Education

Women

Why Economic Success is So Connected to Quality Childcare

Katie Rast, Director, Community Impact, The San Diego Foundation

January 16, 2020

To better understand the need and childcare challenges that currently exist, The San Diego Foundation partnered with San Diego Workforce Partnership and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to commission two new reports that outline the regional landscape surrounding early childhood care and the economy.

Community Improvement

Data

Talent Forward 2020

The dates for the U.S. Chamber Foundation's premiere workforce conference have been announced. Save the date for Talent Forward 2020 on October 30, 2020.

Early Education Summit: Economic Impact on the States

Join the U.S. Chamber Foundation at the Early Education Summit in Washington, D.C. on February 28 to learn about unique childcare challenges facing U.S. states, hear new data on the economic impact of childcare breakdowns, and listen to experts who are developing solutions.

A Snapshot of Employer Interest in Early Education in Iowa

Nicole Crain, Executive Vice President, Iowa Association of Business and Industry

December 17, 2019

The current unemployment rate in Iowa is 2.5%, and there are currently 40,000 people on unemployment and 60,000 job openings. As historically low unemployment continues, employers are always looking for opportunities to recruit more workers and also to retain their existing workforce. To solve this challenge, Iowa business leaders have increased wages, offered flexible work environments where possible, and expanded benefits. More recently, one of those benefits is childcare.

Publications

These publications have built the foundation for the strategic approach that we take towards preparing K-12 students for success and connecting those students with real career pathways.

Read more about Publications

Accelerating Childcare Solutions in Oregon

Katy Brooks, CEO, Bend Chamber of Commerce

December 10, 2019

Like much of the nation, Oregon is in a childcare crisis. There are openings for only one in three children under the age of five in registered childcare centers and in-home providers. This is not only a crisis for families seeking affordable and high-quality childcare, it impacts employers who are struggling to attract and retain talent in a record low unemployment environment.

Community Improvement