COLUMBIA, S.C. – Last week, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (SC Chamber) held a press conference in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) to release the Untapped Potential in SC Report on child care. This report estimates how often parents leave the workforce, are absent from school or work, or miss educational opportunities due to insufficient child care support.
Data for this report was gathered by surveying a representative sample of 500 parents of children under the age of six across South Carolina. Survey results were then used to model an estimate of the direct financial impact of insufficient child care coverage on South Carolina’s economy—nearly $1 billion each year.
The event opened with an impactful video, which was followed by the presentation of the report’s findings. Experts from the SC Chamber, DSS, and the U.S. Chamber Foundation spoke about the critical importance of child care and workforce challenges affecting our state. Throughout this interactive event, testimonials were given to show the many ways these issues are impacting families, businesses, and children in South Carolina every single day.
“Child care is a two-generation workforce issue: It’s critical for the workforce of today to be able to get to work and thrive, and it’s essential for the workforce of tomorrow to build the foundation they need to succeed,” said Aaron Merchen, executive director of early childhood education policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
Following the press conference, an exclusive roundtable brought together cross-sector stakeholders for a deeper dialogue on the findings of the Untapped Potential report. Throughout the roundtable discussion, participants took part in interactive activities – including real-world budgeting scenarios for parents and providers – to explore the challenges faced by employees and employers, and to develop actionable solutions.
