Access to high quality childcare directly impacts Kentucky’s workforce, business community, and economy

Thursday, the U.S. Chamber Foundation and Kentucky Chamber testified to a Special Joint Education Committee Meeting on the impact access to high-quality childcare has on workforce, to the business community and economy.

Travis Burton of the Kentucky Chamber and Lucy Davidson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation testified with an overall theme –child development is the foundation for prosperous communities.

As Kentucky faces a workforce shortage and an abundance of job openings, businesses have become more innovative in their practices to attract and retain employees, stating 71% of families of nonworking poor parents with young children cite “taking care of the family” as the reason they are not working. The U.S. Chamber noted when childcare is provided, employee absence decreases by up to 30% and job turnover reduces by as much as 60%.

Other presenters included Twila Burdette of the Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Shannon Smith of Child Care Council of Kentucky and Erica Tipton of Child Development Center of the Bluegrass. The presenters had a common consensus: not only does access to high-quality childcare help businesses’ bottom line and enable employees to re-enter the workforce, but it provides students a strong start to their education.