A Need For Collective Efforts

enrolled in childcare programs.

“Early childhood education is about more than school readiness,” says Bynum. “Children who receive highquality childcare go on to graduate high school on time, earn higher wages, live healthier lives, avoid incarceration and raise stronger families.”

Bynum suggested the following next steps for the Highlands Community toward resolving the childcare crisis:

• On-Site Visits and Advocacy: Collaborating with local, county, and state elected officials to arrange on-site visits where providers, teachers, parents, and business leaders can share firsthand experiences. These visits will not only shed light on the challenges present in Highlands but also highlight the transformative potential of prioritizing childcare investment.

• Exploration of “Out of the Box” Solutions: The group should actively engage with interested parties to explore the innovative childcare solutions presented. By connecting with other communities who are successfully implementing these solutions. This exchange of ideas may highlight opportunities for supporting accessible and affordable childcare within the community and at a statewide-policy level.

• Consider Leveraging the Family Forward NC Initiative: This is a program to improve children’s health and wellbeing and keep North Carolina’s businesses competitive. It is an employer-led change to increase access to researchbased, family-friendly practices — big and small — that improve workplace productivity, recruitment and retention; grow a strong economy; and support children’s healthy development. It could be a valuable resource in assessing micro policy solutions for businesses related to childcare, paid leave, flexible scheduling, and other family-friendly practices. By utilizing the initiative’s insights and guidance, a supportive environment for businesses to resolve the childcare crisis could be fostered.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC, is hopeful this will serve as a catalyst for action by community leaders, businesses, and childcare providers. By collectively prioritizing accessible and affordable childcare, Highlands can create a nurturing environment that supports the early development and education of all children in need.

(If you’d like to receive a copy of the presentation, please email communications@highlandschamber.org.)

by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC