The Economic Impact of the Child Care Industry in Merced County

Publication Date: January 2003

Publisher: Insight Center for Community Economic Development

Author(s): Jen Wohl; Saskia Traill; Brentt Brown

Research Area: Economics

Keywords: economic vitality; merced; child care

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This report demonstrates that Merced County's child care industry is critical to the county's overall economic vitality and quality of life. Child care is an income-generating, job-creating, service industry in Merced County that enables parents to participate in the county's workforce. Stable, high-quality child care also increases worker productivity, loyalty, and motivation, and reduces turnover and absenteeism. Demographic and economic trends show that over the next ten years, Merced County will continue to see job and population growth. The current supply of child care will be unable to meet this growing need unless non-traditional stakeholders actively invest in this critical economic infrastructure.