Insights from the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce EDx Talk on Early Childhood Education

On September 24, 2024, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce hosted an impactful Economic Development Talk (EDx Talks) focused on the pressing challenges of child care access and affordability. The event featured insights from panelists Madeleine Bayard (Senior Vice President, Rodel Foundation), Kirsten Olson (Chief Executive Officer of Children and Families First), and Julie Bieber (Director of Operations, Kingswood Community Center). Together, they explored the myriad difficulties parents face in securing affordable child care and the far-reaching implications of these challenges.

Over the course of the event, panelists shared powerful real-life stories, including one staff member's emotional journey of resigning due to high child care costs but then being able to stay on staff after receiving financial assistance. The stark reality of lack of access to quality child care was highlighted by the statistic that only 20% of Delaware children under five can access publicly funded programs, with eligibility gaps affecting families earning as little as $60,000. The discussion also highlighted the financial strain faced by child care providers, such as the Early Learning Academy, which serves 65 children, is operating at a $500,000 annual deficit because expenses exceed income by approximately $7,700 per child.

Key challenges include the following areas.

• Emotional and Financial Strain: Many families face an emotional toll from child care costs, with some employees feeling demoralized after promotions due to the high price of care. This "benefits cliff" effect discourages parents from accepting raises.
• Geographic Barriers: Rural areas often experience child care deserts, complicating access due to transportation issues. Flexibility in work hours may help some employees, but not all jobs allow for it.
• Investment and Advocacy: The return on investment in early childhood education is significant, with an estimated $8.60 gained for every dollar invested. Continued advocacy and collaboration among employers, community leaders, and policymakers are essential to address these ongoing challenges.

Potential solutions include increasing state investment, streamlining regulations, and promoting flexible work arrangements. Panelists emphasized the critical role employers can play by connecting their staff with financial coaching and backup child care benefits. The slide deck shared at the event is available here.

The event underscored the urgent need for systemic changes and investment in early childhood education, urging attendees to take action, including sharing parent surveys and engaging with elected officials. By working together, we can build a brighter future for families and children in our communities.