Experts Discuss Solutions in the Face of Texas Child Care Crisis

A reliable, well-educated and productive present and future workforce makes for a strong Texas economy. A recent ReadyNation report shows that the lack of reliable child care for working parents of young children up to age three could add up to $4.9 Billion in annual costs for Texas.

On September 10, 2021, top early childhood experts met virtually across the state to discuss how the lack of reliable child care is jeopardizing the Texas economy. The speakers offered insight into how evidence-informed early childhood education policy is the key to strong businesses and economic development across Texas. The panelists included Featured speakers included Robert Kaplan, President of the Federal Reserve of Dallas, Dr. Cynthia Osborne of the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs, and State Representative Angie Chen Button, a Republican from North Texas. The event was moderated by ReadyNation member Lorraine Grubbs, Membership Director for the Galveston Regional Chamber and former Southwest Airlines executive.

The webinar was hosted by the Texas Prenatal-to-Three Collaborative (PN-3), a statewide collaborative initiative led by TexProtects, Texans Care for Children and Children at Risk, along with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, ReadyNation and Early Matters Texas. The PN-3 envisions a Texas where 1) all children are born healthy and have equitable access to health and early learning supports in their homes and communities and 2) early childhood systems are aligned, coordinated, and well-funded to ensure young children and their families are healthy and thriving.

Watch the webinar below.