Report: Inadequate childcare access creates barriers for working Nevada families, hurts economy

The Governor’s Workforce Development Board released Wednesday its Childcare Policy Report demonstrating that inadequate access to childcare limits capacity to produce the goods and services the state’s economy relies on, impedes workforce and economic development, harms small and large businesses, indirectly results in inflation, and serves as a barrier to working families and parents trying to enter or re-enter the workforce.

“Access to childcare is an essential component to maximizing our workforce and helping employers attract the workers they need. This childcare report highlights the significant barrier that inadequate childcare resources are having on our economy, business growth, and prosperity for families,” said Hugh Anderson, chairman of the GWBD. “It is imperative that we explore new childcare options including locating facilities in public or private areas that make it easier for parents.”

“Elevating the voices of underserved and often overlooked communities is a top priority for this group to make sure that childcare services and funding are being allocated in an equitable way and promoting inclusivity in the labor force,” said Ken Evans, Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.

During Wednesday’s GWDB meeting, the board heard from former Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager, chairwoman of the Childcare Working Group, and Lisa Levine, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation, on the Childcare Policy Report’s findings and recommendations.

Findings include:
— 74% of Nevada children ages 0-5 do not have access to licensed childcare

— In Nevada, childcare is often more expensive than in-state college tuition

— More than 65% of Nevada children reside in households where both parents work and need access to childcare

— $571 million of ARPA and CARES funding was allocated for childcare in Nevada and has been mostly spent, but unclear how the funding helped families afford childcare

— 9 out of 30 childcare providers did not conduct background checks of childcare workers

“Significant funding has been invested to support childcare, yet many Nevadans still need help. The Childcare Working Group developed a report that identifies the needs and provides recommendations for how Nevada can truly transform its childcare services. We hope this encourages the greater community across our State to mobilize to address this critical issue that is preventing people from entering or reentering the workforce,” said Susan Brager, Chair of the Childcare Working Group.

The GWDB voted to approve the report and send it to policymakers as the Nevada Legislative Session convenes. Policy recommendations in the report include:

Infrastructure
— Create childcare hubs for employer clusters that are integrated with existing public transportation routes

— Utilize existing vacant or underutilized public space such as libraries and recreational centers

— Offer tax incentives to employers for underutilized for-profit space

— Expand partnerships with non-profit organizations

— Convene collaborative partnerships so more organizations have a seat at the table and can be part of the solutions

Workforce
— Increase wages for childcare workers and providers

— Develop career pathways into the childcare industry

— Eliminate licensing and regulatory barriers

Audit
Conduct an audit on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) to identify how the $571 million in federal funding was allocated across the State to understand who received support and who did not, what programs worked and what were less effective, and how the State addressed findings from the U.S. Office of Inspector General August 2022 Report that found the safety of Nevada children were put in jeopardy a third of licensed childcare facilities in Nevada.

“The Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation is grateful to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board for leading on this important and timely discussion around childcare. We thank the business and community leaders who are giving their time and talent to this worthy cause that will make a difference,” said Lisa Levine, Executive Director of GOWINN.