The number of parents missing work due to problems with childcare has skyrocketed since the pandemic

Over 100,000 employed workers stayed out of work in October due to issues with childcare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is over double the amount during the same time last year, and more than quadruple the amount prior to the pandemic when employment peaked in February 2020.

Figure 1: Number of employed individuals who missed work due to childcare problems (thousands)

And as a proportion of total non farm employment, in October this year, about 68 of every 100,000 employed individuals stayed off work sometime during the month due to issues with childcare. At the same time last year, however, the rate was less than half — 31 per 100,000. And when employment peaked in February 2020 before the pandemic, the rate was even smaller — 16 per 100,000.

So, the number of employed individuals missing work has grown even after accounting for changes in total employment.

Figure 2: Employed individuals who missed work due to problems with childcare, per 100,000 workers

Access to childcare is essential to the economy

Access to affordable and high quality childcare is fundamental to the economy. It enables parents to work while a the same time providing a stimulating environment for the development of children.

Issues with lack of childcare have existed prior to the pandemic. But the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. And with so many childcare providers on the brink of closing here in our very own state due to issues with staff shortage, the childcare problem is likely only going to get worse not better.

Policymakers, both at the state and federal level need to act fast to prevent the childcare crisis from worsening. Luckily for Minnesota legislators, American Experiment has provided some solutions that can be used to effectively address the childcare crisis.