OPINION: Child care is key to amping up the workforce

Dec. 4—The shortage of workers, not just in Haywood but across the nation, has been a hot topic of conversation for that past 18 months.

That time frame closely follows the point where some of the economic brakes were lifted as long as retail establishments or restaurants abided by certain protocols.

One limiting factor to the economic reopening turned out to be the lack of workers. Initially, the generous government checks provided to those whose jobs were impacted by the pandemic were blamed for keeping people at home.

As the checks grew smaller and then disappeared, it became clear the problem was far more overarching than simple explanations could provide.

Take child care, for instance. A recent survey showed that many child care centers are accepting far fewer children than they are licensed for because they can't find staff.

Without child care available, somebody has to stay home to care for the children, a factor that has taken many people out of the job market for now. The choice is a complicated and a personal one that must be evaluated family by family.

Some parents with children may decide exposure to the virus is a risk they don't want to take, so opt staying home. Others may not have wanted their children in congregate settings, even after vaccines became available, so stayed home. Still others may have done the math and decided for the bit of extra income they would net, it wasn't worth turning the care of their children during their most formative years over to others.

Even with wages on the rise, a $15 an hour worker could spend about two weeks per pay per month on childcare given the going rates. The state survey showed child care staffers earned $12 an hour on average, with Haywood County averages being even lower. This fact alone could explain why early childhood educators are staying home.

Yes, child care is a family issue, but given the ripple effects of the deeply intertwined economy, it becomes clear child care is a societal issue, as well. It is especially crucial when it comes to the issue of getting America back to work.

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