FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2022
Media Contact: Katherine Trombetta
417-880-6306 or
[email protected]
Workforce Vibe Concludes Series on the Impact of Childcare on the Workforce
The City’s Department of Workforce Development has released it’s final podcast episode tackling the issue of adequate, affordable childcare and how the lack thereof has a direct impact on workforce participation. Sally Payne, Workforce Development Director for the City of Springfield, talked with Ericka Schmeeckle, a foster parent to an infant who balances full-time employment with caregiving.
“Finding available childcare is made even more difficult when you foster an infant, toddler or pre-K aged child,” said Sally Payne, Springfield’s Director of Workforce Development. “There’s literally no lead time to get on a waiting list at a center, therefore hampering the foster parent’s ability to work,” Payne added.
“When we got the call to pick up the baby from the hospital we had less than 24 hours notice,” said foster mom Ericka Schmeeckle. “Daycare facilities were impossible to come by because they all had wait lists of several months, and there are even fewer who take the government subsidy because the rate of reimbursement is lower then private payers,” Schmeeckle added.
“The goal of this podcast series has been to shine a light on the difficulties parents face in finding affordable childcare as well as the challenges daycare providers face in keeping staff and being able to pay them a livable wage,” Payne noted. “We have to keep a focus on this issue because it impacts so many aspects of our economy and society as a whole. How we care for our most vulnerable population reverberates through an entire generation.”
To listen to the entire childcare series you can access Workforce Vibe on most major podcast platforms including Apple iTunes and Spotify. You may also listen to all Workforce Vibe episodes on https://cityview.springfieldmo.gov under the podcasts section.
For media requests, contact Katherine Trombetta at 417-880-6306 or [email protected].
###
The Missouri Job Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available to individuals with disabilities. MO TTY users may call 800-735-2966 or contact MO Relay at 711.