A Bolder Way Forward Childcare/Pre-K Spoke

In the quest for childcare accessibility, some states--including Utah--have sought to reduce regulation for childcare providers, increase child-to-staff ratios, and increase the number of children allowed in an unlicensed care setting. With this trend, experts worry not only about the physical safety of children, but also about the negative impact on brain development in a highly critical time of life. In this article, early childhood reporter Jackie Mader looks into the efforts and consequences of such actions in states across the nation. "Sure, this could open up child care spots. But what is often lost in this is an awareness of the consequences for children and their teachers . . . children are at their most pivotal time of brain development, where having meaningful, thoughtful interactions with a caregiver can literally change brain development (and the absence of it can change it for the worse)." #bwfearlychildhood https://lnkd.in/g32pZXV7

Kristen Schulz from the Park City Community Foundation penned an Op-Ed in the Deseret News this weekend highlighting that "Utah has over $96 million in unobligated TANF funding." This is almost three times the recommended reserve amount (about $37.7 MM). TANF funding is received from the federal government and states have great flexibility in how it's spent, within the stated objectives of the program. She points out that the "federal government actually encourages states to direct TANF funds to child care since it serves as 'an essential work support to families that helps lift these families out of poverty, expose children to high-quality services during a rapid period of development, and reduce incidences of involvement in the child welfare system.'" "It is intolerable to allow those funds to build up over the recommended reserve amount when needy families, struggling child care providers and employers alike need them now." #bwfearlychildhood Read the article below: https://lnkd.in/g47kd97e

Click the link below to learn more about the efforts of the Park City Community Foundation to provide a needs-based childcare scholarship program for families in Summit county--a program which is now being used "as an example for other efforts across the country." 👏 👏 #bwfearlychildhood https://lnkd.in/gYh9ZY9f

Wages of child care workers are low, yet families still struggle to afford child care. What happens when a community chooses to collectively raise the wages of child care workers? This Utah Public Radio article looks at the benefits and the costs. #bwfearlychildhood https://lnkd.in/eQngSjgQ

While men are not immune, women are disproportionately affected by childcare inadequacies as this Parental Work Disruption Index report by KPMG shows. Work absences are costly both to the overall economy and individual family finances. If a parent is forced to drop out of the workforce to address childcare needs, it can lead to financial instability. #bwfearlychildhood #bwfchildcare https://lnkd.in/eyDHTUAF

Summit County--preschool open houses tonight (Nov 20) and tomorrow (Nov 21). Details in the article. https://lnkd.in/gunUsHbm

"Childcare remains a top concern for women employed in Utah. Of organizations that offered childcare benefits, many offered flex spending accounts, childcare reimbursement, or cash bonuses for the birth of a child. Eight companies offer on-site childcare, and some even offer services to the surrounding community. This year’s cohort also reported more childcare benefits (13% increase), but there is a great need for more work in this area."

With the complex challenges early childhood services face in our nation, innovative ideas are needed. The US Chamber of Commerce explores "microcenters" in this article, which blend the traditional large center with the intimacy of a family childcare home. #bwfchildcare https://lnkd.in/g4TpcRSP

Have you heard of HB461? It was passed in 2024 and aims to recruit and retain more child care professionals in an industry that faces significant turnover and staffing challenges. However, the law has not been implemented due to lack of funding. This article by Voices for Utah Children explains more about the benefits and history of the "Kentucky Model" that HB461 was based on. #bwfchildcare https://lnkd.in/eJ8Tkxf2

Cache Valley -- This Saturday November 2nd! #bwfchildcare