Increases in costs of housing, food, and daily necessities have changed the landscape of the U.S. economy and, by nature, America’s workforce. However, for working parents of young children, there is one issue that exceeds all others in impacting their decision, or ability, to work and contribute to Florida’s economy, access to high-quality early learning and childcare.
Each year in Florida, nearly $5.4 billion dollars in economic value is lost due to working parents having to be away from their jobs while caring for children under the age of six. In fact, a 2023 survey conducted by the Florida Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, found that the lack of access to childcare was the leading reason parents left their jobs over the 12 months prior.
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s latest report, Untapped Potential, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, explores this challenge at greater lengths in hopes of providing an understanding of how Florida parents are impacted by the childcare crisis and what support systems can be put in place to help them in their effort to work fulltime jobs while raising a family.
As we strive to secure the path to prosperity in Florida from cradle to career, we invite you to join our Florida Equality of Opportunity Initiative’s efforts to tackle barriers to opportunity in Florida. Contact Zenani Johnson at zjohnson@flchamber.com to find out how you can get involved in your neighborhood.