DANVILLE, VIRGINIA – The Partnership for Regional Prosperity, an organization focused on how to prepare for the growth coming to Danville and Pittsylvania County, has engaged the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement on a childcare needs assessment.
“Childcare is key to economic competitiveness,” said Clark Casteel, member of the steering committee of the Partnership for Regional Prosperity. “When our neighbors go to work, it is important that they know their children are safe, cared for and given opportunities to grow during the time they are away from home.
“Our goal is to understand the current childcare ecosystem and identify opportunities to expand it. That can support our region’s economic goals.”
The study will explore factors that contribute to the childcare ecosystem such as currently demographic trends, available care, capacity, cost, and locations. The needs, habits, and satisfaction levels of families with childcare needs will also be part of the work. Surveys and focus groups will engage employers, providers, and families.
“We intend to use this information to establish benchmarks that lead to goals for how to improve availability of childcare,” said Ken Larking, Danville city manager.
“The goal of the study is to put into action ideas to improve access to quality childcare,” said Stuart Turille, Pittsylvania County administrator.
The work is being conducted in collaboration with the Center for Early Success. “The validity of the study will depend on engaging employers and providers in collecting information that verifies childcare needs and preferences,” said Angela Wells, executive director.