Report reveals demand for child care in Missouri far exceeds available licensed slots

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Missouri – Child Care Aware of Missouri’s most recent study reveals the severe shortage of easily available child care facilities around the state, pointing out 78 counties as “child care deserts.” This term describes situations where working families are under great pressure since the demand for child care far exceeds the accessible services.

Supported by data from Kids Win Missouri, the report reveals an alarming picture of the state’s child care scene. Kids Win Missouri’s Executive Director, Brian Schmidt, emphasizes the terrible circumstances parents find themselves in.

“Child care deserts are creating impossible situations for Missouri’s working parents,” said Brian Schmidt, Executive Director of Kids Win Missouri. “When families can’t access quality child care, parents are forced to make difficult choices between work and caring for their children.”

The study conducted by Child Care Aware of Missouri defines a child care desert using a specific criterion: areas where there are more than three times as many children under age six with working parents as there are licensed child care slots. The term originates from approaches embraced by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in their Targeted Needs Assessment.

Child Care Aware of Missouri's most recent study reveals the severe shortage of easily available child care facilities around the state, pointing out 78 counties as "child care deserts."
Credit: Unsplash

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The key findings of the report illustrate several manifestations of child care deserts:

  • Geographic barriers that leave some areas without any nearby providers.
  • Capacity shortages where even available providers have long waitlists.
  • Affordability issues, where the cost of child care is beyond what many families can manage.
  • Concerns over the quality of care, with few high-standard options available.

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These difficulties draw attention to the several dimensions of the problem, influencing not only the availability but also the quality and cost of child care.

Child Care Aware of Missouri is not stopping here. The organization intends to expand its study, particularly on the difficulties experienced by families with infants and toddlers, who sometimes have fewer choices for care. Expected next month, this upcoming study seeks to offer a better picture of the particular requirements and gaps in newborn and toddler care.

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Dealing with these child care deserts has importance beyond just effects on direct family life.

“Understanding where and why child care deserts exist is crucial for developing effective policy solutions,” added Schmidt. “This isn’t just about child care – it’s about Missouri’s economic future and the wellbeing of our working families.”

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Missouri clearly requires a thorough plan including not only the amount of child care but also the quality, affordability, and accessibility. This strategy will guarantee that every family throughout the state can get the child care they desperately need. Ensuring sufficient child care facilities will be fundamental in building a strong, capable workforce as the state strives to support its economic stability and quality of life.

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