There is a dearth of day care options for working families with children in the Rockbridge area. In fact, a recent child care study, undertaken by the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project Inc. (SERCAP) at the behest of the Rockbridge County Economic Development Department, indicates that our area is a “day care desert,” in comparison with other localities elsewhere in the state, which affects our community adversely and needs immediate attention.
The Rockbridge County Child Care Needs Assessment Update, said Brandy Flint, Rockbridge County economic development coordinator, “provides crucial insights into the challenges facing families, providers, businesses and local governments regarding child care accessibility. Key findings highlight a significant gap between available child care slots and community needs, with affordability and staffing shortages among the major barriers.”
A survey conducted in conjunction with the study received 251 responses representing 5 percent of the local population of children. “This level of participation provides a solid and reliable data set for analyzing child care needs in the area,” said Devin Journiette, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow with SERCAP who helped oversee the study.
A shortage of day care options has a big impact on employment, according to Journiette. “A significant portion of respondents reported that child care challenges have directly affected their ability to work. Many parents have had to reduce their work hours, switch to lower-paying jobs with more flexibility, or leave the work force entirely due to a lack of child care options.”
The dire situation carries with it a financial burden for those affected, he said. “Families reported spending an average of 19 percent of their household income on child care, well above the federal affordability benchmark of 7 percent. For some, the cost of care rivals or even exceeds their rent or mortgage payments.”
Dejourniette said many families “expressed that the cost of child care is a substantial burden, impacting their financial stability.” A significant number of respondents, he noted, “reported [having] challenges in finding accessible child care services within the area.”
The survey shows how the shortage of day care affects the local work force, he said, “A notable portion of participants indicated that child care issues have directly affected their employment opportunities, leading to reduced work hours or the inability to maintain consistent employment.”
The findings, he continued, “highlight the urgent need for expanded and more affordable child care options to support working families and local economic stability.” There is a desire for expanded services, he concluded. “The community expressed a strong interest in the expansion of child care services, including extended hours and more inclusive programs to accommodate diverse family needs.”
To address these challenges, Flint said, “Local governments and businesses can play a vital role by exploring innovative solutions. The study points to employer-supported child care initiatives, flexible work schedules and financial assistance programs as strategies that have proven effective in other communities. We are actively seeking examples of programs that local businesses have implemented to support working parents. If your business has a child care initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Additionally, we have already collected some examples of programs and can provide what we have so far.”
The Office of Economic Development, said Flint, “is updating our business contact database to ensure that child care resources and information reach the right stakeholders. If you would like to be included in these communications, please reach out with your updated contact details.” To do this, contact Flint at bflint@rockbridgecountyva. gov, or her assistant, Conor Mitts, at [email protected].
Flint asks that employers who are providing child care incentives to their employees to take a child care employer assessment survey that can be accessed through this link, https://www. co.rockbridge.va.us/DocumentCenter/ View/3733/Childcare-Employer-Assessment- Survey-Flyer.
County staff, she said, is working on a strategic plan that will include a resource hub to support both child care providers and families seeking services. “This effort will help connect parents with available child care options and assist providers in navigating funding and regulatory requirements.”
Everyone’s input, she emphasized, “is invaluable in shaping solutions that work for our community. If you have insights, program examples, or would like to stay informed, please contact us.”
