A new childcare policy report out of Nevada found that 74% of children under 6 don’t have access to a licensed childcare provider. That means the entire state has been labeled a childcare desert. The Las Vegas Review Journal rightly points out that accessible and affordable childcare is necessary for a thriving economy, but that the cost today is "often more expensive than college tuition." The article looks at a different recommendations, including:
Using existing public spaces, like public libraries, recreation centers, schools and state government buildings, to provide on-site childcare.
Expanding partnerships with local nonprofits.
Eliminating licensing and regulation barriers for childcare providers.
Allowing more employees.
Take a look:
‘Child care desert’: Most young Nevada children lack access
A new state report has found that, despite the high demand for child care in Nevada, nearly 75 percent of children ages 5 and younger don’t have access to a licensed provider.
The Governor’s Workforce Development Board voted Wednesday to approve a 128-page child care policy report from its Childcare Working Group.
As Nevada businesses experience worker shortages, the lack of affordable and accessible child care is a major factor, state officials say.
The board voted in December to create the working group because that problem has continued despite “significant financial investment” to strengthen the state’s child care system, according to the chair of the working group, Susan Brager, who is also a member of the Nevada Board of Regents.
The group has met a few times since early January. A copy of the final report will be given to state legislators for the current legislative session.
“Nevada’s economic recovery post-pandemic has bounced back, but Nevada businesses are still struggling to find workers while parents can’t find affordable and accessible child care,” Brager wrote in a letter included with the report.
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