ReadyNation Holds Report Release in Tucson

TUCSON, AZ- Today, ReadyNation Arizona released a new report at The Sandbox Early Learning Center in Tucson detailing the staggering economic impact of Arizona’s child care crisis. The new report, funded by the Helios Education Foundation, reveals Arizona’s massive economic loss of an estimated $4.7 billion per year caused by the lack of availability of child care for children ages birth to 5.

The lack of available, accessible, affordable child care wreaks havoc on parents’ work lives, with 70 percent of parents surveyed reporting that access to child care presented a challenge. Fortunately, there are solutions, which were discussed at the event.

Speaking at the event were ReadyNation Arizona members Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Chamber of Commerce and Shelley Watson, Senior Vice President and COO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. They were joined by Arizona State Senator Priya Sundareshan, and Risa Kottabi-Cline, Director of Operations for The Sandbox Early Childhood Learning Center.

“Lack of affordable child care options is not just an inconvenience for parents in our state. It is holding back our economy,” said Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Chamber of Commerce. “Parents need care for their children so they can go to work or school. Parents need to know that their children are well cared for in a quality setting and employers want a workforce that can focus on work.”

“Business leaders want to do their part, but they can’t do it alone. We need federal, state, and local investments as well. With wise investments, policymakers can improve life outcomes for thousands of Arizona children today and strengthen our state’s workforce and economy both now and in the years to come,”said Shelley Watson, Senior Vice President and COO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

Read the full report here.