Want A Strong Economy? Provide Good Child-Care

Research by several economists shows that areas with a lack of child-care suffer economically, since parents are more likely to drop out of the workforce or move to communities with more options.

1 minute read

June 15, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Alex Pearlstein


"Child care plays a crucial role in economies, according to the conclusions of several economic policy experts around the U.S.

The most obvious reason is that economies need workers, and workers need people to watch their children. Affordable, caring, and engaging child care allows parents to go through their work day with greater confidence and fewer disruptions. Organized child care centers also create a significant number of jobs and contribute revenue to other sectors, according to Mildred Warner, of Cornell University's Linking Economic Development and Child Care Research Project. Without adequate child care, the whole economy suffers, she and other researchers argue.

The National Economic Development & Law Center, a national nonprofit research, consulting and legal organization based in Oakland, Calif., that aims to revitalize economically depressed communities, studies early child care and education infrastructure in states across the country. NEDLC then recommends methods for government, businesses and child-care providers to better meet the needs of parents.

Regional economies will thrive if working parents have enough child-care options, says NEDLC's Jen Wohl, rather than lose workers to more accommodating cities and states."

Monday, June 11, 2007 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

Firefighter in yellow uniform stands in grassy field monitoring wildfire in the Everglades, Florida.

Federal Funding Cuts Spark Concern Among Wildland Firefighters

Federal firefighting forces, already underresourced, are being slashed even as wildfires become a year-round problem.

3 hours ago - Pro Publica

Downtown Los Angeles viewed from Echo Park with lake with artesian fountain in foreground.

A Sustainable Future for LA: Updating the OurCounty Plan

Los Angeles County is updating its Sustainability Plan to refine its vision for climate action, environmental justice, and community well-being, with residents encouraged to participate by taking the OurCounty 2025 Update Community Survey.

4 hours ago - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Painted bike lane with bike symbol and diamond on street in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

A Troubling Trend of Backlash to Bike Lanes

Some cities are going so far as to rip out protected bike infrastructure that took years of advocacy to build.

5 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

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

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.