Growing Tomorrow's Economy Means Investing in Child Care Today

Inadequate infant and toddler child care imposes substantial and long-lasting consequences in Pennsylvania. Our new study examining the economic impacts of gaps in Pennsylvania’s child care system on working parents, employers, and taxpayers describes an annual economic cost of $2.5 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. This annual toll includes $600 million lost by Pennsylvania employers due to child care challenges faced by their workforce.

Productivity challenges affect both employers and employees. Sixty percent of Pennsylvania parents surveyed report report leaving work early due to child care struggles. Almost half report being distracted or missing full days of work and an overwhelming 90 percent said problems with child care hurt their efforts or time commitment at work.

Working together, policymakers and businesses can help build a child care system that will support a more productive Pennsylvania workforce and economy, both now and in the future.