Child Care is a business and economic development issue. 

Shawnee County has workforce shortage. A major contributing factor is the lack of quality child care. This is more than a family issue. This is an economic development issue.

And every business in Shawnee County has a stake.

We’re all connected.

The business sector provides jobs that families need. Working parents are a critical part of the workforce that business needs. Child care providers offer the quality child care that parents need in order to be part of the business workforce. It's an ecosystem that makes our whole community stronger.

The Case for Child Care Benefits

You're—we're all—already paying the price for the lack of quality child care. A study by the Bipartisan Policy Center estimates as much as $123.6 million is lost per year in Shawnee County in the form of lost income, reduced business productivity and lost tax revenues.

Studies show that investments in child care benefits deliver significant ROI to businesses:

• One study shows the return as much as 400% in the form of reduced absenteeism, reduced tardiness and lower rates of attrition.
  (Source: Study by Boston Consulting Group and Moms First.)
• Other studies show an even higher return
  (Study by Vivvi and The Fifth Trimester).

Hiring is time-consuming and expensive. The more you can retain employees, the better. This shows up on the bottom line.

Your Role: Be a Champion for Child Care

Champions are businesses that take action in creating and fostering workplace cultures that are family-friendly and family-forward. Learn how to be Champion for Child Care here.