ECE was the topic presented at Mid-America Science Park
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By Sharon Estep
Scott County Community Foundation Executive Director Jaime Toppe and Dr. Melissa Fry, Director of Applied Research and Education Center with Indiana University Southeast spoke to those who work with children, educating them on the need for quality early childhood care and education. On Tuesday, August 27 a lunch and learn was held for community members where Dr. Fry, shared her findings on how Scott County fairs in this area and what is needed to improve. The event was held at Mid-America Science Park with more than two dozen in attendance. The two are meeting with local educational decision makers.
A study conducted in 2018, showed that inadequate childcare cost the state $1.8 billion, $1.1 billion was due to employee absence and turnover. Scott County's employer's loss was roughly $5 million.
A recent Ball State study showed that adding 100 childcare workers to the typical economic growth region would add 2300 women ages 35-44 and 860 ages 25-34, to the workforce. “Stable childcare equals stable workforce”. Seventy percent of children under six do not have access to high-quality childcare. Regardless of quality, the cost is well above seven percent of the median household income. The federal government recommends families spend no more than seven percent to consider it affordable.
Many households qualify for vouchers, but the waitlist limits the impact of such assistance. The state has changed some requirements for vouchers to make them more accessible, particularly for those who work in early childhood education, but also for those earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level. “Still cost and supply of quality childcare, keep it out of reach for the majority of families”.
A committee representing diverse stakeholders and incorporating input from several listening sessions, developed a strategic plan for Scott County. There are three main components to this plan.
Community education and advocacy – to shift the conversation around early childhood education to one rooted and a clear understanding of the importance of birth to five and potential returns of investment on increasing supply and access to affordable; high-quality care. Shifting the thinking that all you need is a warm, adult body in a room to keep a child safe – to really understanding that what you do with that child while you're with them fundamentally shapes their adult outcomes. “It fundamentally shapes their ability to actually learn at the rate their brains can learn if it's fully developed”, explains Dr. Fry.
Develop an early childhood education Director position, in Scott County, to provide backbone support while moving towards the goal of every child in the county having access to affordable, high-quality care who would coordinate various resources, align them and try to expand the supply in the county.
Build a high-quality early childhood education workforce pipeline, supporting students learning about and identifying the early childhood pathway via opportunities in Scott County including Schneck Medical Center's babysitting certification and training, Prosser's early childhood education program, Ivy Tech's child development associate's degree, and IUS elementary and early education programs. Making that pipeline clearer, smoother, and a pathway that can really encourage students to pursue.
Dr. Fry encouraged the group to jump in on the SCCF early education plan to enhance access to affordable, high-quality care in Scott County.
