Missouri is facing a significant issue when it comes to access to childcare, especially for babies and toddlers. A recent report from Child Care Aware Missouri has highlighted the widespread childcare deserts in the state, with 97% of counties classified as childcare deserts for families with infants and toddlers. Governor Mike Kehoe has made addressing this problem a key focus, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, former Governor Mike Parson.
Governor Kehoe has proposed various measures to improve childcare access in the state, including allocating $10 million in grant funding to increase the number of available childcare slots and reforming payment timing and structure for childcare providers. The business community has also expressed concerns about the lack of childcare access, with 80% of Missouri CEOs and business leaders citing childcare expenses as a barrier to workforce participation.
Child Care Aware of Missouri CEO Robin Phillips emphasized the importance of quality, affordable childcare for children’s development and families’ economic stability, calling for innovative solutions to address the issue. With the majority of childcare programs in the state not licensed to serve children under two, the strain on families and providers is evident.
The need for accessible childcare is not only a family issue, as Brian Schmidt, Executive Director of Kids Win Missouri, pointed out. It also has economic implications, impacting employers’ bottom lines. It is crucial for Missouri to ensure that all parents have access to high-quality childcare to support their families and contribute to the state’s thriving economy.
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