Elevate Rapid City is in the final week of collecting comprehensive data on the impacts of childcare. The work will give a better understanding of the relationship between access to affordable childcare and its effect on the workforce in Pennington, Meade, and Custer counties. The deadline to complete the survey is April 26. They are asking both businesses and employees to fill out the survey.
“Access to affordable childcare impacts young families in a way that may be keeping some parents from working thereby making it difficult for businesses to find employees, and we’re exploring ways employers could engage in this space to bolster recruitment,” says Laura Jones, housing & community development manager at Elevate Rapid City.
Employer Participation:
Area businesses of all sizes and from all industries are urged to participate in this initiative. The detailed survey illuminates the diverse facets of childcare benefits and their utilization within different industries. Only one representative from each business should take the 15-20 minute survey. It is best completed by an individual who is very familiar with the workforce, such as the human resources department.
Employee Engagement:
Simultaneously, Elevate is seeking input from employees within the region. The 5- minute survey will gauge experiences and perspectives on childcare-related matters as it impacts work.
Anticipated Outcomes:
Upon the completion of the survey period, Elevate will compile and analyze the gathered data. The resulting insights will be summarized in a detailed report, tailored to inform policymakers and employers alike. Key areas of focus in the report will include: employer childcare benefits across various industries, impact of childcare benefits on recruitment, retention, and training costs, and the effectiveness of childcare services on workplace productivity among other key impacts of childcare availability.
Survey Details:
Both employer and employee surveys will remain open until April 26, 2024. Elevate’s proactive approach underscores a commitment to fostering an environment conducive to workforce development and economic growth, with childcare accessibility emerging as a pivotal determinant in achieving these objectives.
This project has been made possible through a planning grant facilitated by the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, whose primary aim with this funding is to explore innovative solutions to address childcare challenges within the State.
