Already a challenge for many American parents, finding child care within reach of transit can be nearly impossible.
In an op-ed in Next City, Jason Prokop and Anne Hedgepeth draw attention to the rarely discussed but crucial intersection of child care and public transit.
The authors explain, “America’s cities depend on both child care and public transportation to be livable places. Unfortunately, little attention is paid to how these systems intersect.” For many American parents, finding transit-accessible child care can be nearly impossible.
The authors cite a Nebraska program that aims to bridge this gap and help policymakers understand the link. The data dashboard, which explores public transit and childcare options in metropolitan Nebraska, reveals that “In Lincoln and Greater Omaha, only about 45% of all licensed child care providers serving children under age 6 are located within a 10-minute walk of the nearest public transit stop”—a time frame that can be “insurmountable” for parents of small children.
“The Child Care and Public Transit Dashboard was designed to ensure decision-makers can build systems that better serve their communities, which is good for children, families and our economies.”
FULL STORY: Finding Child Care Is Hard. Finding Transit-Accessible Child Care Can Be Near-Impossible
Designing Cities With Youth in Mind
The car-centric design of many U.S. cities traps young people at home, preventing them from engaging in social activities and urban life.
Less Than Half of Head Start Centers Near Transit
Just 42 percent of the nation’s Head Start early education centers are within walkable distance for parents with toddlers.
How Urban Design Fails Families
For parents of small children, amenities like public restrooms or shady parks can vastly improve—or deteriorate—the experience of navigating cities.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.
States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling
The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.
Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding
The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.
OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides
The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
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