In Johnson County, the Child Care Solutions Coalition has set ambitious goals to tackle the growing child care crisis. Focusing on enhancing accessibility, affordability, and quality, the coalition aims to revolutionize child care services in the region. Let’s delve into the data that highlights the pressing issues and the proposed solutions.
Child Care Landscape in Johnson County – A Snapshot
As of 2022, 73% of families with children under the age of 6 have all parents working outside the home. This necessitates reliable child care options, yet the data reveals a concerning scenario. With 22,484 children aged 0-12 in Johnson County, the available child care spaces have decreased by 411 since 2021. Moreover, there’s been a 12% decrease in child care programs over the last five years.
The Financial Strain on Families
A family with two children in child care pays an average of $2,192 per month, exceeding $26,000 annually – more than two and a half times the average tuition at the University of Iowa. The situation worsens for infant care, which is 32% higher in Johnson County than the state average.
Challenges Faced by Child Care Centers
A survey of licensed child care centers in Johnson County revealed significant challenges. There is a shortage of 1,148 child care slots, and 5 programs have waitlists of 100 or more, totaling 1,175 children. Staffing issues compound the problem, with 102 full-time staff openings and 66 part-time staff openings.
Wage Disparities in the Child Care Workforce
Child care workers, despite their crucial role, face financial struggles. The average wage for a child care worker is $11.16 per hour, the lowest among all tracked professions. To combat this, 35 centers have increased starting wages in the past year, with an average raise of $1.48 per hour.
Johnson County Childcare Wage Enhancement Program
The Johnson County Childcare Wage Enhancement Program is a promising initiative to uplift child care professionals. It proposes a $2/hour wage increase for eligible child care workers, aiming to attract and retain talent. Licensed child care centers serving children birth to 5 years can qualify, provided they meet specific criteria, including maintaining a minimum hourly wage and participating in quality rating systems.
4C’s Involvement
4Cs will collaborate closely with child care providers, guiding them through the program’s details and facilitating their onboarding process. Through targeted education initiatives, 4Cs aims to ensure that all eligible entities are well-informed about the Johnson County Childcare Wage Enhancement Program, streamlining their participation and contributing to the overall success of the initiative.
Future Outlook
The Child Care Solutions Coalition’s proactive approach seeks to transform the child care landscape in Johnson County, fostering a community where families have access to affordable, high-quality child care, and child care professionals are valued for their crucial contributions.
