Minnesota Daycare Providers are still feeling the pain of the pandemic, but it’s different than what you probably think. A recent survey conducted by the Minneapolis Fed and First Children’s Finance shows that providers are dealing with unpredictable enrollment, hiring problems and inflation pains and it might cause some to close for good.
Here’s Five Fast Facts About The Struggling Child Care Industry:
- 🎢 Enrollment Rollercoaster - The daycare industry was hit really hard by the pandemic. Now that we’re in a post-pandemic world, demand for enrollment is up, but actual enrollment is down. Weird, right?
- 🧒 Too Much, Not Enough - Operating costs are more expensive (inflation!) and there’s also not enough staff. Teachers are leaving the industry and since providers are required to have a certain teacher-to-student ratio, they can’t take everyone.
- 👶 Up is Down - Demand is up for infant care (or bébé care if you’re Moira Rose), which requires more staff than older children. Those same staff shortages make it nearly impossible and definitely not affordable.
- 🆘 There Was Help - During the the pandemic, the Minnesota Child Care Stabilization Base Grant helped providers stay open, retain employees and maintain a workable child-to-teacher ratio. That program ends in 2023, so time (and money) is running out.
- 👪 Odds Against Them - A shocking 1 in 5 providers said they believe they can only remain open for a year or less and 50% of those surveyed say there’s a 50/50 chance they’ll stay open.
🔥Bottom line: The information in the report is bleak. There is no clear short- or long-term fix either. Child care is certainly a labor (heh) of love, but when professionals in the field have to call it quits for reasons out of their control, there’s no simple road ahead for providers or parents.
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