Why it Matters

In recent years, the importance of access to high-quality, affordable childcare for working parents has been evident, especially to support productivity in the workplace. However, the inaccessibility of childcare and rapidly rising cost of early learning programs are some of the major barriers working parents must overcome to get the childcare they need and fully participate in the workforce. Investments in a suite of solutions from public and private entities will be vital to remove these barriers and increase opportunity.

The Research

Georgia loses at least $1.75 billion of economic activity and subsequently, $105 million in lost tax revenue for the state annually due to the inaccessibility of childcare.1 Over 25% of Georgia’s parents of children under the age of five reported a significant disruption in employment, whether that be quitting, rejecting job offers, or greatly changing their job, due to problems with childcare.2 Even when programs are readily available to parents, the cost of available childcare programs is often so high, that parents can only afford childcare if one parent stays home, forgoing financial gain from full employment. Statewide, the average daily cost of childcare at a childcare learning center is $172 in 2024, a 17% increase compared to 2021.

Why it Matters to Your Business

Access to childcare services directly impacts employee productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. When employees have access to reliable, affordable, high-quality childcare, they experience less absenteeism and stress, enabling increased work productivity. Simply put, the care economy makes every other job possible. The availability of childcare can also be a powerful recruitment tool, attracting top talent and fostering a more diverse workforce. Moreover, ensuring more students are enrolled in high quality childcare programs will promote better prepared early learners, thus a better prepared future workforce.

 What You Can Do

• Assess the needs of your employees through surveys, group and/or individual conversations to better understand the challenges and needs of working parents within your business.  Consider implementing family friendly practices based on employee feedback including but not limited to implementing flextime, work from home options, adjusting shift schedules, employee wellness programs, subsidy for childcare, and/ or providing an on-site childcare option.  options of on-site childcare or partnerships with local providers to secure placements or discounted rates for employees.

• Evaluate Georgia’s Child Care Tax Credit to see if it could be a resource as you consider providing assistance with childcare as an employee benefit.   

What Georgia Can Do

• Invest in increased resources for early learning programs and early learning teaching professionals. Continue to support Georgia’s Pre-K program, a high-quality learning program available to all four-year olds in the state. The Georgia Pre-K program has served over 2 million students since its inception in 1992.  

The Big Picture

Many Georgians struggle to find affordable childcare options, and many parents have turned down career advancement opportunities or leave the workforce altogether due childcare accessibility issues. By addressing these issues, Georgia can better support their working parents and better prepare the future generation of employees.