Rural Child Care Innovation Program Fact Sheet
![child care](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_62/images/child_care.jpg)
Fairmont’s Community Solution Action Plan is available to view here!
Did You Know?
(Based on information obtained from data collection from First Children’s Finance)
Local Statistics:
- A gap analysis has revealed that Martin County has a shortage of approximately 172 licensed full-time childcare slots
- Fairmont has a shortage of 72 licensed child care slots
MN & National Statistics:
- In 2017, Minnesota experienced a net loss of 537 (6.2%) family child care programs
- 87% of Minnesotans ages 20-44 are in the workforce in the past 12 months
- Minnesota childcare has an industry revenue of $883.2 million, with $900 million impacting local economies
- Childcare providers in MN have been in business an average of 12 years and most work alone (9% employ an assistant)
Employment-related Statistics:
- Child care related issues represent 45% of employee absenteeism, which places a financial/operational burden on employers & a financial burden on families
- 65% of parents’ work schedules are affected by child care challenges
- Financial viability of child care businesses is often challenged by many factors
- In total, it’s estimated that businesses lose $3 billion annually because of child care issues
- Early childhood development is crucial, 90% of brain development happens within the first 5 years of life
- Childcare shortages are everywhere…this is a national issue that needs to be addressed on a local level
Due to these challenges, a Core Team from Fairmont has come together to develop solutions!