Small business owners across Pennsylvania know the crisis better than anyone – we face a significant workforce challenge. With only 66 available workers for every 100 jobs, the workforce shortage is a pressing issue. One problem keeping people out of the workforce is the lack of reliable and affordable childcare. And, while there is no “silver bullet” to completely resolve this problem, the PA Chamber has worked with employers, childcare providers, our local chamber partners, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive childcare reform strategy that offers a promising tool to alleviate some of these pressures.

 

 

The PA Chamber’s Collaborative Approach

Going beyond calls for funding, the PA Chamber plan takes into account other key issues impacting the childcare sector that could have more long-term benefits for providers, administrators, and the children in their care.

1. Mitigating Staffing Challenges with Innovative Hiring Efforts
   • One of the primary obstacles for childcare providers is staffing. The PA Chamber’s strategy includes recommendations for outside-the-box hiring efforts. These may involve partnerships with educational institutions to create a pipeline of qualified childcare workers, offering incentives for individuals to enter the childcare profession, and exploring flexible staffing models that can adapt to varying demands.
2. Reducing Administrative Burdens
   • Administrative challenges can significantly delay the opening of new childcare centers and overburden existing providers. The PA Chamber’s recommendations aim to streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and simplify compliance requirements. By making it easier for providers to navigate the regulatory landscape, more childcare centers can open and operate efficiently, increasing the availability of childcare services.
3. Combating Rising Insurance Costs
   • Rising insurance costs are another major concern for childcare providers. The PA Chamber’s strategy includes measures to protect providers from excessive litigation, particularly in regions where they have been historically targeted by pro-plaintiff legal environments. By addressing this issue, the strategy aims to make insurance more affordable and accessible for childcare providers, reducing one of the significant financial burdens they face.

 

The Impact on Small Businesses

For small business owners, the availability of reliable and affordable childcare is crucial. Employees who have access to quality childcare are more likely to remain in the workforce, reducing absenteeism and turnover. This, in turn, helps small businesses maintain a stable and productive workforce.

Moreover, by addressing staffing and administrative challenges faced by childcare providers, the PA Chamber’s strategy can lead to an expansion of childcare services to help meet the needs of working parents. Alleviating administrative pressures will also allow childcare providers to focus on the quality of curriculum and care, which will benefit every child.

Again, while we realize this strategy is not a panacea to Pennsylvania’s workforce challenges, it is a valuable tool that addresses some of the critical issues in the childcare sector. By implementing these recommendations, small business owners can benefit from a more stable and reliable workforce, ultimately contributing to the overall economic health of the state.