State of Childcare Summit Resource Library Summary
Understanding the challenges and opportunities within early childhood education (ECE) is critical for shaping the future of our community. This report highlights key findings from 16 vital documents, offering actionable insights that will guide our discussions and help develop solutions to the childcare crisis.
1. E4C 89 Session Blueprint (2024)
The E4C 89 Session Blueprint emphasizes key legislative priorities for Texas, including creating employer partnerships to expand affordable childcare and developing a childcare innovation pilot program. It also calls for regulatory streamlining to lower costs and improve care quality. These initiatives could directly benefit Kerrville’s workforce and childcare ecosystem.
2. 2023 Texas Child Care Cost of Quality Price Modeling Report
This report models the cost of providing high-quality care in Texas, highlighting how accreditation and staff qualifications impact childcare pricing. It underscores the need for local businesses and policymakers to support investments that improve care quality while addressing costs for families.
3. Summit Final Report (2024)
The Family Friendly City Summit Final Report outlines strategic priorities for addressing childcare gaps in El Paso County, CO similar to those in Kerrville. The report focuses on public awareness, policy advocacy, and increasing community collaboration to ensure access to quality childcare for all families.
4. Texas Childcare Gap (2019)
This analysis examines the childcare gap across Texas, revealing a shortage of childcare slots and its significant economic impact. The report suggests that closing the gap could boost the economy by reducing productivity losses and increasing workforce participation.
5. UPK Primer (2023)
Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK) provides 4-year-olds with free preschool, improving access to early education. This model offers a reference point for Kerrville as we explore solutions to expand affordable, quality childcare in our community.
6. Summit Executive Summary (2024)
The Summit Executive Summary outlines strategies for addressing childcare needs, including public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and public investment. It highlights the need to improve staffing, training, and compensation for early childhood educators.
7. Leading the Way: Childcare Workforce Toolkit (2018)
This toolkit discusses the role of employers in supporting quality childcare. It advocates for workplace partnerships to address employee childcare needs, which could reduce absenteeism and improve employee retention. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of affordable and accessible childcare for business success.
8. Kerr County Population Report (2024)
Kerr County’s growing population underscores the need for expanded childcare services. The report highlights demographic trends that will impact future demand for childcare, providing a roadmap for planning and development of childcare infrastructure in Kerrville.
9. Women at the Top: Leadership Insights
This white paper explores the leadership qualities that can drive community change, including emotional intelligence and strategic vision. These insights are vital as Kerrville works to tackle the childcare crisis through leadership in business and civic sectors.
10. Heckman Summary on Early Childhood Education (ECE) Benefits
Economist James Heckman’s research shows the long-term economic benefits of investing in quality ECE, including higher academic performance, better health, and increased workforce productivity. These findings can guide local efforts to improve Kerrville’s childcare infrastructure.
11. Economic Forum ECE Report (2024)
This report from the UCCS Economic Forum discusses the demand for early childhood education in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado, focusing on labor force participation, especially for mothers. It highlights how improving access to quality ECE can ease workforce shortages and boost local economies.
12. ECE Wage Increase Pilot Project Report (2022)
This study examines the effects of raising wages for early childhood educators. It finds that wage increases improve staff retention, teacher well-being, and care quality, making the case for investing in the ECE workforce to strengthen childcare services in Kerrville.
13. ECE Data Request (2021)
This document provides a detailed assessment of the need for childcare in El Paso County, CO including the shortage of available spots and the cost of expanding capacity. It emphasizes the importance of strategic investment in ECE to meet growing demand.
14. Early-Matters-SA Impact Plan (2023)
This plan discusses strategies to improve early childhood education in San Antonio, with a focus on making childcare more affordable and accessible. The plan’s lessons can inform efforts to address similar challenges in Kerrville by enhancing public-private partnerships.
15. 2019-2020 Community Assessment
This report highlights key challenges related to childcare in Kerrville, including a shortage of over 225 childcare slots, which leads to an estimated annual productivity loss of $5.6 million. Key issues include poverty, limited access to affordable housing, and a lack of licensed childcare providers. Solutions suggested include public investment in childcare facilities, expanding Head Start programs, and creating a sales tax initiative to support childcare development. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing workforce participation and fostering long-term economic growth in Kerrville.
16. 2021-2022 Community Assessment
This assessment highlights key community needs for early childhood education in Kerrville. The KISD Head Start program serves low-income families, but there is a waiting list due to high demand. The population is growing, with 22.5% of children under 5 living below the poverty line. Economic challenges, such as higher housing costs and a reliance on public assistance, impact many families. The report also covers the district’s pandemic response, focusing on safety and virtual learning adaptations.