POTTSVILLE, PA — Local chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania have issued a call to state lawmakers to address the ongoing child care crisis. In a letter signed by more than 50 chambers and economic development agencies, they urged for state investment to help child care providers recruit and retain their teachers.
Addressing the Workforce Shortage
The letter highlights the importance of alleviating the child care workforce shortage. By retaining teachers, child care centers can remain open or reopen, increasing availability for families who need it to stay in the workforce. This, in turn, contributes to Pennsylvania’s overall economy.
Robert S. Carl, Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, spoke at a state capitol press conference on June 11. He stressed that low wages in the child care sector are driving a historic teacher shortage, which affects employers across various sectors in the state.
“We have been working with the child care providers in Schuylkill County for a year now and we have heard first hand of the struggles they are having keeping their teachers,” said Carl. “Low wages are driving this teacher shortage. Providers know they need to pay more, especially when unskilled labor is getting $20+ per hour, but they also know that their parents can’t afford to pay more.”
Economic Impact
A new report from the nonprofit ReadyNation surveyed over 300 working mothers in Pennsylvania. The report estimated an annual economic cost of $2.4 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue due to gaps in the state’s child care system.
The report emphasized that the majority of child care responsibilities fall on mothers. Therefore, work disruptions, career barriers, and financial burdens caused by inadequate child care have a greater impact on working moms compared to all working parents. The total annual economic cost for both mothers and fathers dealing with child care gaps in Pennsylvania is estimated at $6.65 billion.
Learning from Other States
The letter from local chamber leaders points out that at least 18 states are directly investing in recruitment and retention strategies for child care teachers. These efforts aim to solve the teacher shortage and ensure that the supply of child care meets the demand from working families.
Tackling the Child Care Crisis
Addressing the child care crisis is crucial for several reasons. Quality child care allows parents to remain in the workforce, which boosts economic productivity and stability. It also ensures that children receive proper early education, which has long-term benefits for their development.
The current shortage of child care teachers means many centers are closing or have long waitlists. This situation leaves families struggling to find reliable care, forcing some parents, often mothers, to reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely. This not only impacts individual families but also the broader economy, as highlighted by the substantial estimated costs in lost earnings and productivity.
Investing in Child Care: Building Stronger Families and Economies
By investing in child care, Pennsylvania can mitigate these economic losses and support working families. Effective recruitment and retention strategies for child care teachers are essential for maintaining and expanding the availability of child care services.
The letter from the chambers of commerce serves as a call to action for state lawmakers. Addressing the child care crisis requires immediate and sustained investment to ensure that families can access the care they need, which in turn supports the overall economy and the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the message from Pennsylvania’s chambers of commerce is clear: solving the child care crisis is not just about supporting parents but about fostering a thriving and productive economy.
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