Study: Child Care Access Challenges Highly Localized
A new regional study commissioned by the Initiative Foundation finds that child care access remains a significant workforce and economic development issue in Central Minnesota, though the challenges differ widely from one community to another.
The report, Child Care Access and the Regional Economy, was prepared by the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement at St. Cloud State University and examines child care supply, demand and economic impacts across Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. It was supported by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Led by King Banaian, professor of economics at St. Cloud State, the research identified 13 confirmed child care deserts across the four-county region and found that while some communities have adequate capacity, others face significant shortages that may limit workforce participation among parents of young children.
The study estimates a regional shortage of 723 child care slots under its four-county central scenario. However, the study notes that regional totals can mask important local realities. While Benton and Stearns counties generally show enough licensed capacity to meet demand, Sherburne and Wright counties face ongoing shortages, particularly in specific census tracts.
“This research helps communities move beyond broad assumptions and better understand where child care access is creating barriers for families, employers and economic growth,” said Amy Trombley, vice president for community at the Initiative Foundation. “The findings show that effective solutions will need to be tailored to local conditions.”
Economic Implications Revealed
The report estimates that addressing child care access barriers in the region’s most affected areas could enable more than 60 additional parents of young children to enter the workforce while allowing others to move from part-time to fuller schedules.
Under the study’s conservative scenario, increased workforce participation could generate an estimated 136 full-time-equivalent jobs, $5.8 million in labor income and $2.7 million in additional economic output across the region.
The research found that not all child care deserts are alike. The report identifies three distinct categories:
- Areas where workforce participation among mothers is already high despite limited child care availability.
- Areas where child care access appears to be directly constraining workforce participation.
- Areas where broader economic factors, including lower wages and affordability challenges, may be limiting participation beyond child care availability alone.
The findings suggest that strategies such as facility expansion, affordability supports and home-based provider development may be appropriate in different communities depending on local conditions.
The Initiative Foundation commissioned the study to provide community leaders, employers, child care providers and policymakers with data to inform local decision-making and future investments.
The full report is available at ifound.org.