JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Roughly 1 in every 3 childcare facilities in Missouri are no longer open following the pandemic, according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is affecting the state’s economy by billions of dollars.
In less than two years, more than 1,000 childcare facilities closed in Missouri. If you’re a parent, you know, it’s becoming harder to find care and if you do, it’s expensive. According to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and United Women’s Empowerment (United WE), a big reason why people are leaving the childcare workforce is a livable wage and benefits.
“That’s what elevated this to be the most significant workforce development issue for the State of Missouri,” United WE CEO and President Wendy Doyle said. “You can go to your local retail store, your local restaurant and potentially make more money on an hourly basis then you do providing childcare.”
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