ADDRESSING ACCESS TO CHILDCARE
In Clark, Floyd, Crawford, Harrison, Scott, and Washington Counties
With funding from the Indiana Economic Development Association and Duke Energy, Ivy Tech Sellersburg and One Southern Indiana Chamber and Economic Development( 1si) commissioned a study to explore access to childcare in the region. Specific study questions included: 1
1 LEVEL
SETTING
2 INITIATIVE
DISCOVERY
3 FEASIBILITY EXPLORATION
REGIONAL CHALLENGES AROUND ACCESS TO CHILDCARE
Secondary data suggest that of the more than 21,000 regional youth below the age of 6, 65 % live in households where all parents / caregivers work. At the same time, only 209 providers( with a combined capacity of just over 7,000 youth) are listed in Indiana’ s Regulated Childcare System Database for the region.
The exploration of solutions to childcare access challenges required participating stakeholders to start from a place of shared understanding related to challenges. Based on feedback from the collaborative planning team and focus group participants, survey respondents rated a list of potential challenges on a 5-point scale ranging from“ Not much of a challenge at all” to“ A significant challenge.” The percentages below reflect respondents indicating the challenge was“ A large challenge” or“ A significant challenge”( i. e., a response of 4 or 5).
Limited childcare spots or availability
Limited funding available for childcare centers
Operational expenses for childcare centers
Philosophy / mindset of key decision makers
Lack of coalitions or organized groups to address childcare issues
Limited job opportunities for childcare providers
45 %
Regulatory and / or policy restrictions
Limited credentials or certifications offered
What are the( consensus) major challenges related to childcare in the region?
What are potential solutions to addressing these challenges?
What is the feasibility of each identified solution?
Limited quality providers / shortage of skilled childcare workers
Insufficient compensation( salaries, benefits) for childcare workers
Limited career advancement opportunities or earning potential for childcare providers
31 %
43 %
64 % 63 %
71 % 71 %
82 % 80 %
90 % 88 %
While survey respondents also noted childcare affordability as an ongoing challenge for families it is worth noting that the median weekly cost of care for the region($ 134) lags that of the state overall($ 164).
STUDY METHODS
Mixed methods were employed to address the three study questions.
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING
Throughout the study year( 2024), a team of representatives from Ivy Tech Sellersburg and 1si met to guide study methods, identify key stakeholders, and vet initial findings.
SECONDARY DATA REVIEW 1
To understand challenges around childcare access in the region overall and each county individually, this study explored child and family demographics such as household makeup, race, ethnicity, poverty status, and employment status. Further, childcare program type, capacity, cost, and quality ratings.
PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION
Each of the study questions were informed by feedback from key stakeholders via focus groups and a regional survey. Participating stakeholders included childcare providers, educators, parents, private sector business leaders, policymakers, and the communityat-large.
FOCUS GROUPS
Two focus groups were conducted on Ivy Tech Sellersburg’ s campus in the spring of 2024. A total of 18 stakeholders participated.
STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
A total of 113 stakeholders provided survey feedback in the fall of 2024. Of these, 41 % were parents( or grandparents) of young children and 27 % were private sector business leaders. Early childcare providers, educators of early childcare providers, and representatives of nonprofits, government, and K-12 education also participated. Respondents worked in each county across the region.
1
Secondary data sources included American Community Survey 2021 5-Year Estimates, Indiana Regulated Child Care System Database( RCCS) via Brighter Future Indiana Data Center, and Early Learning Indiana’ s 2022 Assessment of Indiana’ s Early Learning Opportunities.