As the executive director of the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply invested in the economic prosperity of our state and can attest firsthand to the critical importance of a robust and resilient workforce, especially as our community experiences a surge due to the lithium boom.
However, amidst our discussions on strategies to recruit and retain top talent, there lies an often overlooked yet profoundly impactful aspect – the accessibility, affordability and quality of child care. How are we to recruit top talent to support the lithium boom if we can’t support the families who move here?
But this isn’t only an issue in Southwest Arkansas. Across the state, the child care crisis looms large, casting a shadow over our workforce’s ability to thrive and our economy to reach its full potential. Shockingly, only 15% of families can find quality, licensed care for their infants and toddlers. This staggering statistic means that a significant portion of our future workforce lacks the foundational support necessary for early childhood education and care, hindering their parents’ ability to fully engage in the workforce.
For working parents, the challenge of securing quality child care is a constant balancing act. They juggle multiple responsibilities, striving to provide for their families while ensuring their children receive the nurturing care they deserve. However, the financial burden of child care often forces families into difficult decisions. In Arkansas, the average annual cost of infant care in a licensed child care center is approximately $8,000 annually, nearly 15% of the median household income. This stark reality leaves parents grappling with the choice between sacrificing their professional ambitions to care for their children at home or choosing lower-quality care for their children so the parents can work.
Quality child care services yield tangible benefits for businesses, including enhanced employee retention, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Beyond the immediate advantages, investing in quality child care lays the foundation for a skilled and competitive workforce, essential for driving innovation and economic growth in our state and community.
Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, has proudly aligned with Excel by Eight’s Business Coalition. Founded in 2020, this coalition has mobilized businesses across Arkansas to address the pressing challenges within the child care landscape. We understand that investing in accessible, affordable, high-quality child care is not just a social responsibility but a strategic imperative for our businesses.
As we’re in the throes of the Arkansas State Legislature’s 2025 general session, we must seize the opportunity to advocate for policies that prioritize the accessibility, affordability and quality of our state’s child care services. Research conducted here in Arkansas demonstrates that every $1 invested in Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) for their employees would generate up to $3.68 in economic benefits to the state, including businesses, families, and the government.
Similarly, every $1 a business commits to subsidizing child care for its employees in licensed child care facilities is predicted to generate up to $2.12 in economic benefits to the state. Business income tax credits are excellent tools to incentivize more businesses to take advantage of these opportunities.
Let us commit to championing quality child care -- not merely as a societal need but as a fundamental pillar of Arkansas’s economic success. By leveraging our collective influence and advocating for meaningful change, we can create an environment where businesses flourish, families thrive, and our workforce remains strong.
Rachel Jenkins
Executive Director
Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
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