The challenge of balancing work and home responsibilities is nothing new. However, across Maine, the permanent closures of child care centers, a lack of certified providers, and rising child care costs have dramatically impacted families and shifted the work landscape. With these growing challenges, investing in the “workforce behind the workforce” (child care providers) and supporting working or job-seeking parents and caregivers is crucial for stable employment. We all benefit when kids have a strong start and families thrive.

Hear local leaders in the fields of business and child care share their perspectives and discuss solutions to this issue.

Save the date and stay tuned for registration information!

 

Building Thriving Workplaces is a Thrive2027 webinar series presented by United Way of Southern Maine and the Portland Chamber of Commerce. The series brings together community leaders to share workplace best practices that will benefit your organization and advance Thrive2027.

Watch (or rewatch) Building Thriving Workplaces: Spotlight on Employee Mental Health.

 

Data Dive:

Waiting lists for affordable, high-quality child care centers can be hundreds of families and years long. Youth and Family Outreach (YFO), a non-profit early care center, recently told the Portland Press Herald that dozens of families knock on their door looking for help every week.

YFO prioritizes enrolling families living at or below the federal poverty line, born to teen parents, are unhoused, or from immigrant or refugee families. The skilled teachers at YFO nurture children with rich interactions, anti-racist practices, and high-quality early learning experiences. For children, experiences like these can have a lifelong impact.

The need for more high-quality early learning opportunities is vital to a thriving Southern Maine and the future of our economy. Last year, United Way of Southern Maine invested more than $500,000 in early education centers like YFO, programs, and collaborative quality early care work across Southern Maine to strengthen our community’s system of support and advance Goal 1.

UWSM also invests in professional development and entrepreneurship and recently received a $95,000 grant to help new child care entrepreneurs in the Portland area open their child care centers with the necessary training and investment to succeed. Read more about how UWSM helps give kids a strong start.

 

In addition to long waiting lists, early care providers face the challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled workers. 58% of child care centers in Maine are currently understaffed. Helping more individuals achieve their professional goals of becoming child care providers is an important step in creating a stronger child care system.

Greater Portland Workforce Initiative (GPWI) is dedicated to building strong career pathways and helping individuals achieve meaningful employment and financial stability through access to education and supportive services. GPWI’s Bridge to Child Development Associate (CDA) program helps aspiring early educators achieve their CDA so they can enter the workforce and earn a higher income. This year, GPWI received a grant to expand the Bridge program and support an entrepreneur child care program.

 

 

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Your contribution to United Way of Southern Maine is an investment in change. Designate your next gift to the Early Care and After School Fund to help more children get a strong start.