Addressing the Childcare Crisis in Charlotte County: Key Takeaways from Our Community Conversation
February 21st, 2025
The Charlotte County Child Care Community Conversation brought together business leaders, policymakers, educators, and childcare providers to discuss an urgent issue—access to quality, affordable childcare. This challenge affects not just families but also businesses and the local economy.
Hosted by the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, the webinar examined how limited childcare options impact workforce participation, business productivity, and economic growth. By the end of the discussion, one thing was clear: solving this issue requires collaboration and action.
Why Childcare Matters for Economic Development
Charlotte County Economic Development Director Kay Tracy set the stage by emphasizing that childcare is both a workforce and economic development issue. Without reliable childcare, many parents struggle to stay employed, leading to higher turnover, lower productivity, and a weakened economy.
Marketing Manager Maria Vastola reinforced this message by sharing her personal experience as a working mother. She explained how inaccessible childcare forces parents to make difficult choices, such as reducing work hours or leaving their jobs entirely. These challenges prevent skilled workers from contributing to the local economy, making childcare a critical component of business success.
Understanding the Local Childcare Landscape
Anne Bouhebent from the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland provided an overview of childcare availability in Charlotte County. Key findings include:
- 67 legally operating childcare providers
- 50 centers participate in school readiness programs, offering financial aid to eligible families
- 41 provide voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK)
- 572 children currently receive school readiness assistance
- 122 eligible children remain unenrolled due to accessibility challenges
One of the biggest concerns raised was the existence of childcare deserts—areas where few or no providers operate. Even when financial assistance is available, families often struggle to find a provider close to their home or workplace. Infant care presents an even greater challenge because of strict teacher-to-child ratios and higher costs.
Notably, the data from the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Heartland only includes School Readiness-eligible providers. Centers that are ineligible or choose not to participate are not counted. As a result, the true gap in childcare availability may be even larger.
The Workforce & Business Impact
Megan Greer from the Future Makers Coalition highlighted childcare’s role in workforce development. From early education to career readiness, accessible childcare ensures parents can remain employed while preparing the next generation for future careers.
Casey Kennedy, CEO of Bloom Academy, shared insights from a provider’s perspective. Although expectations for early childhood education have increased, funding and workforce availability have not kept pace. Rising costs for insurance, staffing, and accreditation create obstacles to expanding services. At the same time, wages for childcare workers remain low compared to other industries, making it difficult to attract and retain staff.
Dr. Brian Granstra from Charlotte County Public Schools discussed efforts to strengthen the early childhood workforce pipeline. A new Integrated Education & Training (IET) program will help students and English learners obtain childcare certifications, increasing the number of qualified professionals. However, more work is needed. While this initiative is a step in the right direction, tracking long-term workforce data will help determine its effectiveness.
How Childcare Impacts Local Families
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Michaela Buchanan shared powerful data illustrating the economic impact of childcare challenges:
- 76% of children under age six in Florida have all available caregivers in the workforce, meaning childcare is essential.
- Families in Charlotte County spend an average of 14% of their household income on childcare, adding to financial strain.
- 150,000 Florida parents left their jobs in the past six months due to childcare challenges, resulting in a $5.4 billion economic impact on the state.
Employers have a role to play in addressing this crisis. Investing in childcare solutions—such as on-site childcare or employer-supported programs—can help businesses retain talent while supporting working families.
Moving Forward: Solutions & Next Steps
This conversation was just the beginning. Participants identified several key actions to address the childcare crisis:
✅ Exploring employer-supported childcare solutions, including stipends, on-site facilities, and provider partnerships
✅ Identifying funding opportunities to expand existing childcare centers and establish new ones
✅ Creating task forces to develop policy recommendations and drive collaborative solutions
✅ Launching workforce initiatives to train and retain early childhood educators
By working together, Charlotte County can create a stronger childcare system that benefits families, businesses, and the economy.
Your Voice Matters: Take the Survey
As a next step, the Charlotte County Economic Development Office is conducting a childcare impact survey. This is a crucial opportunity for businesses and employees to share their experiences and help shape real solutions.
If you are a business owner, HR representative, or employee, we encourage you to take the survey. Your input will guide future discussions and help create meaningful change.
With the right support, Charlotte County can become a place where businesses thrive and working families have the childcare resources they need.
Watch webinar here: VIDEO
Charlotte County Economic Development Office hosted the event. From left to right: Mark Odell, Maria Vastola, Janet Johnson, Kristy Sisler, Jordan Ray
