The conference room at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago hummed with anticipation as experts from various fields gathered for the July 10th Fed Listens session. Among the speakers was Joan Blough, Senior Director of the Child Care Innovation Fund at Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). Joan’s presence at this notable event was a testament to the groundbreaking work she and her team had been doing to re-imagine child care systems in Michigan.
Austan Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago opened the session with a poignant reminder of the critical role that child care plays in the lives of working parents and employers alike. He highlighted the importance of accessible child care in driving economic growth and development, particularly within the 7th District, which encompasses Iowa, most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Joan Blough’s recent work with the Child Care Innovation Fund had focused on piloting innovations in collaboration with economic, workforce development, and policy partners to enhance access to quality child care. With her extensive experience spanning over 37 years, her insights on the Fed Listens’ panel were meaningful and provided context and framing for the discussion with her fellow panelists about the systems level impact of child care on economic and community development.
Joan emphasized the evolving perception of child care. “For too long, child care has been seen as a problem for families that child care business owners and employers need to solve,” she remarked. However, she noted that this view was changing, and there was growing recognition that child care is essential to full employment, community and economic development. Engaging all partners, including parents of young children, child care business owners, and employers – is crucial to improving access and outcomes.
The panel discussion brought together experts from various sectors, including policy, economics, workforce development, and community building. A significant challenge discussed was the staffing crisis in the child care sector, primarily due to low wages. The discussion also elevated the professionalization of the field and strategies to improve wages, with other panelists sharing their perspectives and solutions.
ECIC’s collaborative efforts with multiple partners and agencies have aimed to address these systemic challenges head-on. ECIC’s work in Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Policy Equity Group, involved supporting Regional Child Care Planning Coalitions. These 16 coalitions were tasked with developing Regional Child Care Plans tailored to the child care needs and preferences of working families, with the goal of regions taking collective action to address the current child care crisis in the state.
As the conference concluded, ECIC’s Child Care Innovation Fund and Joan’s work remain focused on understanding child care as an integral part of economic development and an effective early childhood system.
For more information and to get involved in local efforts, visit ECIC’s website for ongoing initiatives and partnerships dedicated to ensuring every child can succeed in school and in life.