What other opportunities might you suggest for removing barriers faced by early childcare centers?

Not all of the“ other” opportunities offered by respondents were necessarily conceptually distinct from the solutions described in the prior section. Further, variance exists in the concreteness of proposed solutions. However, all solutions shared by participants are included according to theme below.

Theme

Removing Barriers to Childcare Credentialing

Policy Advocacy Around Childcare Affordability

Early Exposure to Childcare Opportunities

Partnerships with Businesses and Other Organizations

Work-based Learning Opportunities

Verbatim Response

Free tuition for childcare workers and a stipend Offer on-site childcare in conjunction with classes / training for workers Depending on how scholarships are structured those could be helpful, but basing those on individual income is not the best path. Employers need to structure pay / benefits based on childcare needs to secure employees( talent attraction & retention). If those $ are credited to employers via tax credits, or other funding sources that seems to be a better solution than income based and also easier to manage. Marketing career opportunities for early childcare professionals needs to have emphasis on long term financial planning for sustainability. The need for early childcare workers is obviously in high demand. But with the present system, long term career growth and sustainability is doomed for failure. A standardized, trusted vetting process / seal of approval by an accredited organization Having centers that are highly qualified( NAEYC / PTQ 3-4) listed as prime apprenticeship sites for early childhood educators. Attending local childcare center professional development days to encourage enrollment into credentialing programs. RIE and Montessori training Certificate

Couldn ' t we consider incentivizing all aspects of this issue?( Parents get vouchers based on their income, workers get workplace training- perhaps provided through the state or private sources, children receive some type of savings credit for post high school graduation). It just seems like band aiding different parts will not solve the problem. Many local organizations are doing whatever they can and much success has come from this. Working together will increase our ability to improve the situation for all residents. Until the state / federal government subsidizes wages for childcare workers so they can make a living wage and makes it more affordable for parents to pay for childcare, marketing will only go so far. I think the problem needs to be looked at with new eyes- I think families should be given dollar to dollar deduction for childcare expenses on taxes. More state and federal funding. Government subsidies; TIFs; universal pre-K funding.

Early identification of workforce options and training that guides how to open, operate, and maintain a healthy work environment should be done sooner rather than later in middle or high school. IVY-Tech to work directly with local high schools in Scott, Washington and Crawford Counties to offer HS kids a paid internship through state funding, a certification program and also relieve some of the stress on the providers. Dual enrollment programs Prosser cannot be the only solution for this challenge. They have limited capacity and are far away for some school systems. IVY-Tech needs to work directly with schools NOT in Clark / Floyd to develop a program that partners with the local high schools and daycare providers. I think offering classes for high school students( Prosser) is the best way to increase the number of childcare workers. This offers students a way to work as professionals as they attend college. Even if they don ' t continue in ECE, it could provide a steady stream of educated workers for programs.

In my opinion partnerships between businesses, chambers and govt officials to develop strategies to close the gap would be initial steps. Maybe advertise at local larger businesses Someone has to provide additional funding for programs to provide quality care. Since the state seems unable to do so, employers seem like a logical option as they receive the biggest benefit from families having quality, reliable childcare. Have more childhood centers to work with the area schools preschool. I think we need more area Churches to offer a safe environment for childcare.

Opportunities to work in childcare centers and gain training while at the workplace. A little each day while at work. Provide a hands on model to ensure future childcare professionals are getting the realistic view of this career path. I definitely like the idea of workplace learning credits.

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