On June 27, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the National Child Care Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This inaugural event—attended in person by 400 people representing 40 states, with more than 1000 participating online—brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including corporate leaders, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic entities to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the child care crisis.
Child Care as Economic Infrastructure
A recurring theme throughout the summit was the recognition of child care as critical economic infrastructure. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized this point, noting that accessible and affordable child care is essential for a robust workforce and a thriving economy. The event underscored that child care is no longer viewed solely as a family issue but as a broader workforce concern, essential for attracting and retaining talent across industries.
Corporate Leadership and Innovation
Corporate leaders were at the forefront of the discussions, sharing innovative approaches to integrating child care support within their business models. Josh Silverman of Etsy articulated the sentiment well: “This isn’t charitable. This is about making our business better and stronger.” Fred Arcuri of Corning Inc. added, “You can do well and you can do good at the same time.” Companies like UPS and Chobani shared tangible benefits they experienced from offering child care support, such as significant reductions in employee turnover and enhanced productivity. Nando Cesarone of UPS highlighted the impact of their child care pilot program, noting a reduction in employee turnover from 36% to just 4%. These insights highlight the critical role of employers in fostering solutions that benefit both businesses and families.
Public-Private Partnerships
The summit highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the child care crisis. Jessica Chang, CEO of Upwards, aptly stated, “Ultimately you have to have employers and the government involved to pay for the cost of that child care.” Discussions revolved around creating sustainable, scalable solutions through collaboration between the private sector, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Data-Driven Solutions
A significant announcement came from Secretary Raimondo regarding the expansion of the Census Bureau’s data collection efforts to better understand the economic impacts of child care. This data will be crucial in informing and targeting solutions that address the needs of American families, thereby strengthening the U.S. economy.
The Heart of the Issue: Children
Amidst the discussions on economic impacts and corporate strategies, the summit never lost sight of the core issue: the well-being of children. Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana reminded us that investing in early childhood education lays the foundation for future success. He stated, “Child care is foundational to everything that we aim to accomplish… either we’re going to pay now or we’re going to pay later.” This powerful message underscored the long-term benefits of investing in our children and the costs of neglecting their early development.
The National Child Care Innovation Summit was a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of the child care crisis and the collaborative efforts required to address it. Business leaders from various sectors—ranging from manufacturing to technology—voiced their commitment to supporting child care solutions, reinforcing the idea that strong child care systems are vital for economic growth and competitiveness. It was inspiring to witness the collective determination to make high-quality, affordable child care accessible to all families, showcasing a united front in tackling this critical issue.
For more detailed information and to watch the summit sessions, you can visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s website.
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