Why is an adequate supply of safe, affordable local child-care an economic development issue?
Child care is a basic infrastructure issue, like roads. Families cannot go to work without child care. Businesses that are considering relocating to our community often consider the supply of care as they would any other infrastructure concern. Q: Are there sufficient child-care spots available in the Bakersfield area? A: If every working family wanted to use licensed child care in a child care center or a family child care home, there would not be enough spaces. Currently, many families choose informal caregivers (family and friends) to meet their child care needs. Q: What needs to happen to get more licensed child-care in the region? A: Due to budget issues over the last several years, California Community Care Licensing has recently stopped accepting applications for new child care programs. That is the newest barrier to increasing supply. Startups, particularly centers, take a lot of time. LiNCC can help navigate the process. Q: You’ve been lobbying for a long time to expand child
