Access to quality child care = A strong economy

From Jeannie Pederson,

famcolab@charter.net

Childcare is one of the most important drivers for a strong economy. Access to child care allows parents to feel confident that their child is being nurtured in a safe, high quality learning environment which enables more productivity at work and less absences. When a community has child care choices available, it is able to recruit and retain businesses, employees and families. This is good for families, children and communities.

An investment in childcare pays significant returns — research suggests that every dollar spent by communities on early childhood education returns over $7 in economic benefits in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated that children with access to quality early learning are more prepared for kindergarten. They have increased vocabulary, better language, math and social skills, more positive relationships with classmates, and they score higher on school-readiness assessments. They are also less likely to need special education services or be held back a grade, and are more likely to graduate and go on to further their education after high school. These are good outcomes for kids, saves taxpayers money, and is a gift that lasts a lifetime because when our children thrive, so do our communities.

The Pope County Child Care Task Force was created in January 2023 to address child care access across the county. Through a West Central Initiative grant, awarded to the Pope County Family Collaborative & Early Childhood/THRIVE Initiative, Tammy Anderson was hired as the Pope County Child Care Project Manager. The goals of the child care project manager and Pope County Child Care Task Force are to:

Identify and advance projects and child care initiatives in Pope County communities

Work with child care providers and communities to identify needs and opportunities to provide access to quality and affordable care

Create partnerships and community solutions

If you are interested in participating in the Pope County Child Care Task Force, contact Jeannie Pederson at famcolab@charter.net or Tammy Anderson at acorns2oakconsulting@gmail.com