A new report from the Spencer Economic Development Corporation and First Children’s Finance highlights a growing child care shortage in the Spencer area.
The Child Care Market Analysis and Strategic Plan, released last week, outlines significant gaps in local child care services. Funded in part by state and regional development grants, the study surveyed parents, employers, and providers earlier this year.
Data shows that 90 percent of families with young children in Spencer have all parents in the workforce. Yet 66 percent of parents reported child care issues that impacted their jobs—most commonly having to leave work early. Employers echoed the same concern.
Local providers also reported capacity issues, with nearly 80 percent turning away families or placing them on waitlists due to lack of space. The study estimates a shortfall of up to 580 regulated child care spaces during the school year and nearly 800 in the summer.
Following the analysis, a strategic planning process was held from April to July, involving 30 community members who helped develop goals and strategies to address the shortage. Presentations of the findings were made to the Spencer City Council and Clay County Board of Supervisors earlier this month.The next step is to build a financial model for a potential child care center, with completion expected by December. The full report is available at SpencerEDC.com.
