Finding Child Care Solutions

The childcare crisis hurts families and businesses alike

As I mentioned in my first article on the childcare crisis, parents are forced to make tough decisions because of either high childcare costs or a shortage of childcare providers. Single parents and families may have to choose between buying extra food, among other things, or paying bills at times just to make it till the end of the month. Other parents don’t seek employment because childcare fees would take all of their disposable income, while other parents work different shifts so that childcare isn’t needed, which puts a strain on adult relationships. Communities, states, and businesses are impacted negatively, as well.

All across the U.S. businesses complain that they can’t find employees. This is particularly true for service or fast food and restaurant jobs that pay lower wages with few or no benefits. In Kansas the minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour because the KS Congress has declined to increase it while other states like MO have raised their minimum wage by a significant amount. Public assistance programs are overburdened which puts a burden on taxpayers.

The private sector and easing the childcare crisis

Creating public-private partnerships in communities can provide different resources and monetary…