Our forum on Cracking Open the Childcare Crisis discussed not only the background of the problem but more importantly ways that we can help alleviate the problem. To create more childcare spots and decrease the burden on families, we need to focus on:
- Increasing training to provide more staffing
- Support providers in business training
- Look at ways to shift the burden of expense away from families
- Increase flexibility in location options and regulations
- Appreciate and respect our childcare providers
- Shift our thinking of providers from a “babysitter” to a fulfilling career option
- Increase the number of employers providing childcare as an employee benefit
- Incorporate space for childcare into commercial and residential construction
- Collaboration between providers, businesses, non-profits and parents
Interested in participating in a solutions workshop on the issue, contact us at [email protected]
This forum was sponsored by Pinnacle Architecture and SunWest Builders.
Resources
OSU Cascades Early Childhood Development Program
Early Child Education Business Accelerator
Childcare Provider Network from NeighborImpact
Bright Horizons-Incorporating Efficiency into Building
Central Oregon child care desert forces parents into tough choices, The Bulletin Feb. 6, 2022
Child care business model forces thin margins for providers, The Bulletin Feb 6, 2022
About our coverage: Central Oregon providers, parents and nonprofits find creative ways to fill child care gaps, The Bulletin Feb 13, 2022
Central Oregon parents partner with churches to form child care nonprofit Feb 13, 2022
Business courses accelerate child care program openings Feb 13, 2022
Redmond Proficiency Academy runs child care for school employees, Redmond community Feb 13, 2022
Oregon’s Child Care Conundrum: Hurdles, Disparities, and Opportunities Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
