In our discussions across the Midwest, both employers and workers describe the challenges created by a lack of affordable, reliable, and accessible childcare. Workers with small children must find quality affordable childcare that aligns with their work schedule. While for employers, limited local options for childcare make it more challenging to attract and retain workers. In response, staff at the Chicago Fed are leveraging our community engagement, policy analysis, and analytical capabilities to better understand the dimensions of this challenge across the range of industries and communities in the Seventh Federal Reserve District.

This Spotlight on Childcare and the Labor Market is consistent with the Federal Reserve's mandate to maximize employment given that addressing the childcare challenge has the potential to promote job growth and participation in the labor force. Check back here or join our email list for updates on our Spotlight on Childcare and the Labor Market.