Lack of Child Care Impacting Arizona’s Post-Pandemic Recovery 

Child care is an essential service, and the pandemic has elevated awareness of the importance of quality early education and care to maintaining a thriving economy.

One in three households is struggling to find the child care they need to return to work, according to a recent poll conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Equally alarming, ReadyNation and Council for a Strong America estimate this unmet demand costs the U.S. economy $57 billion each year in lost productivity, earnings and revenue.

Taking a deeper look into the current state of child care in Arizona, a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce study estimates working parents’ inability to access child care costs the state $1.7 billion annually. The same study states that, 34% of the Arizona workforce polled cited inadequate access to care as the catalyst for a major career change. 

An expansion of quality child care offerings is particularly critical in Phoenix, which has experienced a higher population increase than any other major U.S. city over the last decade. Therefore, the opportunity for individuals to become early education providers and expand their community’s child care options in Arizona has never been greater. 

For local business leaders and entrepreneurs who are seeking to make a meaningful investment in their community’s future, a child care center is an ideal opportunity to meet these growing needs. However, starting from scratch may seem daunting, especially if this is an owner’s first business venture. Pursuing this passion alongside an experienced and accredited education franchise model can ease that fear by offering the right resources and support along the way as a school is brought to life.

Now more than ever, there is a growing need for early education and child care programs. Education is the backbone of any community and with the help of a leading child care brand recognized by a reputable source like Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, members of the community can accelerate the next generation of Phoenix’s future by investing in becoming a local franchise owner.

Steve Clemente is president of Primrose Schools, a leading early education provider with nearly 475 locations in 33 states; offering entrepreneurs impactful, innovative business opportunities, the company is projected to open an estimated 25 new locations in 2022.

Photos courtesy of Primrose Schools