Why it matters
A Strong Start is Key to Future Success
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
The best way to build broad prosperity in our community is to invest in the education and well-being of our children during the critical early years. 90% of a child's brain is developed from birth to 5. Yet, in Orange County, almost half of children do not get the care and education they need, start kindergarten NOT READY, and often never catch up -- putting their future AND OURS at risk.
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
Businesses and the economy depend on working parents having access to affordable, quality care for their children. Yet, childcare is unaffordable for most families, often costing more than rent or food. Subsidies to help families cover the cost of care and to pay teachers a living wage are inadequate.
Inequity Starts Early
Childcare is an Essential Workforce Issue
Inequity Starts Early
Black and hispanic women and children and those from low-income families are less likely to have access to prenatal care, insurance, and quality early learning options. These children are more likely to enter kindergarten without what they need to succeed in school and in life. Addressing inequities in our society must start early!
yet, THESE ARE THE FACTS...
NOT READY
Live in Childcare Desert
Live in Childcare Desert
Almost half of children start Kindergarten NOT READY, over two-thirds in low-income areas
Live in Childcare Desert
Live in Childcare Desert
Live in Childcare Desert
40% of Floridians live in a "childcare desert" (Childcare Aware of America)
HH Income on Childcare
Live in Childcare Desert
HH Income on Childcare
Childcare is unaffordable for most families, costing almost a third of their income
Top Reason Not Working
Limited Access to Healthcare
HH Income on Childcare
Lack of access to childcare is top reason unemployed Floridians who want to work don't
(US Census survey)
Limited Access to Healthcare
Limited Access to Healthcare
Limited Access to Healthcare
Half of families with children have limited or inconsistent access to healthcare
Of Families Are Struggling
Limited Access to Healthcare
Limited Access to Healthcare
Half of families with young children struggle to meet basic needs -- even before COVID
investing early means greater returns
13% Return on Investment in Early Education
"Investing in comprehensive 0-5 childhood education is a powerful and cost-effective way to mitigate negative consequences of poverty on child development and adult opportunity." James Heckman, Nobel prize-winning economist
Break the Cycle of Chronic Poverty
Children who are NOT READY for Kindergarten and NOT READING on grade level by 3rd grade are 4X's more likely to drop out of school and more likely to...
Live in Poverty...
Have Poor Health...
Become Incarcerated...
Increase Workforce Participation
70% of non-working parents say they do not work because of lack of childcare
26% of parents say they left their job because of childcare issues
Fiscal Cliff -- Parents avoid job advances to keep childcare subsidies
Prepare Tomorrow's Workforce
Starting early is the best way to prepare our future workforce to fill a widening skills gap.
60% of jobs will require degree or certification by 2025
48% of workers have degrees or certifications now
Almost half of jobs in Central Florida will be replaced or will require high-tech skills by 2039