Shifting From Crisis to Catalyst: How Better Jobs and Better Access in Childcare Will Drive Our Economy Forward

The rising cost of living demands that most parents and caregivers work, yet nearly half of these workers have quit or been fired from their jobs due to unstable and unaffordable childcare. Workers who hold lower-wage jobs are especially affected. Job quality is one of the chief causes of this deepening childcare crisis. Despite the high cost of care, it doesn’t translate to living wage salaries for childcare workers — leaving the industry scrambling to fill positions, meet demand, and control costs for working families.

In this plenary, we’ll dive into why fixing the childcare crisis is essential to sustaining America’s economic vitality and workforce productivity. We’ll also learn more about innovative policy solutions that are being implemented in local communities and hear from an at-home childcare provider about the challenges they face in the sector and support they need to thrive.

Speakers