City leaders meet to discuss local childcare shortage
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Thursday, May 9, Colorado Springs elected officials, business executives, and community leaders will gather, along with early childhood education professionals, to discuss the city’s shortage of childcare options.
The Pikes Peak United Way and Joint Initiatives for Youth and Family is holding its first Family Friendly City Summit, to address the childcare challenges Colorado Springs is currently facing, including a workforce crisis in the childcare fields.
“Early Childhood Education programs are the backbone of our community,” said Joint Initiatives CEO SherryLynn Boyles. “Economic indicators show that our local economy is dependent on the availability of child care. We know that a significant number of people leave the workforce because of childcare. Even though we have 430 licensed child care centers in the county, most of our community is a child-care desert.”
Several prominent local figures will speak at the summit, including Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer; Colorado Council for a Strong America Director; M. Michael Cook, and UCCS Dean of Business, Dr. Tommy Aicher.
Data shows that of the 46,842 children in the county, 17,452 are in early education childcare programs. But many families’ needs are not being met. There are around 16,000 additional childcare spots needed.
“Finding child care is a huge challenge in our area,” said Cindy Aubrey, Pikes Peak United Way CEO. “We’ve spoken with employers who have lost employees and are concerned about losing even more due to a lack of quality childcare.”
The Family Friendly City Summit will be held at Penrose House Pavilion, 1661 Mesa Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is by invitation only.
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