By RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Southern Alleghenies
A group of local leaders gathered in Somerset on Thursday to highlight the regional child care crisis. But it was the group of eight kids who shared the platform with them who stole the show.
They held signs with key facts about the crisis, including that about $6.65 billion in economic activity is lost each year statewide because families can't find child care. A key reason cited by the experts and leaders who spoke is low wages in the industry, even though the professionals in the roles need special training.
"Charity alone can't fix this," United Way of the Southern Alleghenies President & CEO Karen Struble Myers said during the press conference. "We need policy change and more public funding."
The event was held at The Learning Lamp's location in Somerset. It was part of the Start Strong PA initiative with the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children. The Learning Lamp President and CEO Leah Spangler drove home the need. Her organization has seven vacancies locally and 48 regionally. If all were filled, The Learning Lamp could serve hundreds more children.
Spangler said she is competing with fast food chains, delivery services, and other industries that pay more. As employees leave, the number of families that can be served drops, trickling into a broader impact.
"Parents, especially mothers, are forced to leave the work force," Spangler said.
State Sen. Pat Stefano joined Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Aldom, providing legislative and business input to the conversation.
This is one of the "most pressing challenges facing families," Stefano said, adding that tax credits can ease the burden, but not solve the problem. Wages at around $15 an hour just aren't competitive, he said.
It's "one of the lowest wages in our work force."
It's an odd conundrum, as early childhood care is vital to a healthy future. Investment in a strong start for youth seems like an obvious, and crucial, win -- a sentiment echoed by each speaker. Ensuring every child has the chance for a great beginning is part of United Way's core initiatives, as well.
For Aldom's part, the topic is "vital to our local, state, and national economy," he said. "We absolutely need to take action. High quality child care is not a luxury, it's a need."
To learn more about the effort, visit https://startstrongpa.org/.