Who will watch the kids?

Issue 7.30

July 23, 2021

Message from the President

While a growing number of employees are returning to the workplace, health officials continue to vaccinate about 800 to 1,000 Delawareans each workday. Our numbers look good compared to other places in the country, and continued vaccination progress is encouraging. However, some employees with child care needs are struggling to find care. Read more >

THE ROLE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

IN DELAWARE'S BUSINESS SECTOR PANDEMIC RECOVERY AND BEYOND

With greater vaccine availability and lower COVID-19 case numbers, the Delaware business community is focused on the road to economic recovery ahead. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will persist into the coming months — even years —

making the return to work especially difficult for the 48 percent of Delaware’s labor force with children. The pandemic has exposed the need for innovative public-private solutions to challenges facing working families and has underscored the importance of child care to regional economies. Read more >

SUPPORTING THE CHILD CARE SECTOR

THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH DELAWARE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia partnered with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Rodel, and the Delaware Department of Education to launch a Research in Action Lab to educate the business community in Delaware on the economic importance of the child care sector. Read more >

DELAWARE CHILD CARE MAP

AN INTERACTIVE TOOL

The Map is a public, interactive mapping tool that allows users to see the locations of licensed child care providers and facilities throughout the state alongside community indicators on topics such as demographics (age, race, and ethnicity), family types, income, poverty rates, unemployment and more. View tool >

Where are families in poverty potentially seeking jobs?

YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR

THE LACK OF CHILD CARE

Access to high-quality child care is an unforseen and overlooked cost to employers, causing high turnover rates and absenteeism, reducing productivity, and impacting recruitment of skilled staff. ... Listening to your working parents, noticing trends in employment, and considering what solutions might work best for your organization are essential to maximizing the full potential of your organization and your employees. Download the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's brief >

89%

of employers are looking for solutions to child care for their frontline workers but don’t feel equipped to take the next steps

20%

The cost of a worker’s total compensation— including

income and benefits—

to replace them

$13,000

Cost of child care per year per child in Delaware

Source: Delaware Department of Education. (2020). PDG-B-5 consolidated needs assessment summary.