United Way To Help Businesses Develop Childcare for Workers

(KNSI) – The United Way of Central Minnesota wants to help businesses replenish their workers by assisting companies in developing childcare programs for workers.

The United Way says the childcare crises in the St. Cloud area started well before the pandemic but worsened after the statewide shutdown. Officials blame changes to licensing and regulations, the lack of benefits, and the opportunity for other employment, as reasons child care providers are getting out of the field.

Before the pandemic, around 4,400 children were waiting for a daycare spot to open up in Central Minnesota. In early 2020, the St. Cloud area had more than 80 in-home childcare providers, but as 2022 approaches, that number is down to 30.

United Way of Central Minnesota Director of Financial Stability Alexis Lutgen says there are some things companies can do to help workers take care of their kids.

“Whether it be adding to a benefits package some sort of childcare stipend or assistance with that. maybe it’s partnering with a local childcare center to buy down slots that will then be saved for those employees or partially paid for for those employees. Or starting an onsite childcare center, I know that some businesses have done that, and then that is offered as a benefit to the employees.”

She says workers are more productive if they feel their children are being taken care of properly while they’re at work. She says Central Minnesota needs quality childcare options to support the area’s economic recovery. According to a recent survey, 24% of parents said they either left the workforce or refused a position due to the lack of child care.

Lutgen says problems finding childcare have forced some couples to delay starting a family.

“There are families that are actually going to the extent of having to plan pregnancies around when they can get into their preferred childcare facility. And that’s just unbelievable to think of that.”

To help tackle these major issues, United Way of Central Minnesota has hired Joelyn Rumpca-Barrett as Child Care Coordinator. Contact the United Way of Central Minnesota for more information on the program at 302-252-0227 or at info@unitedwayhelps.org.

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