The governor’s task force on child care has made some recommendations.

 

 Alaska is in the midst of a child care crisis. Since 2019, the state has seen roughly one in five licensed child care facilities close. And researchers estimate that Alaska is losing about $150 million from the economy annually, due to parents missing work to watch their children.

 A task force convened by Governor Mike Dunleavy that’s been looking at ways to fix the state’s child care sector released its first batch of preliminary recommendations this week.

 State Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg, who heads the task force, says these recommendations are aimed at reducing barriers on child care providers by improving licensing and background check processes.

 Hedbert: “One of the recommendations is providing more technical assistance to potential employers that want to start their own childcare sector. We also found that there was a lot of questions on just navigating through that licensing process. There’s a lot of documents that are needed.”

 While most of these initial recommendations are aimed at helping child care providers, families are struggling too, with many facing rising costs and a lack of availability. Hedberg says the task force will continue meeting next year to hash out potential solutions for families, including those that need financial assistance.

 Hedbert: “Looking at the subsidies, the methodology around subsidies. One of the things we have a contractor working on is a cost of care. What does it actually cost to operate a childcare center? And what is the appropriate mechanisms for subsidies to sustain access to quality childcare?”

 Hedberg says the second half of the task force’s recommendations will be finalized by the end of July 2024. 

The child care task force is accepting written public testimony on the first draft of its recommendations until November 27. Members of the public will also have a chance to call in to comment on recommendations during a virtual meeting on November 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

 

View Original Story by Wesley Early - AKPM