Child care helping county economy

childcare04022: Child care helping county economyChild care in Kern County, is like comparing apples to almonds. In 1997, child care's gross revenues nearly matched that of the apple industry bringing in $56.8 million for the county. Four years later, in 2001, child care increased to $140.8 million, almost as much revenue as the almond industry generates.

Those statistics were revealed in the “Economic Impact of Child Care in Kern County” report at an April 23 Bakersfield luncheon. The report was compiled and analyzed by Local Investment in Child Care (LINCC) child and family services facilitator Katherine Sickles. LINCC is administered through Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC).

“The challenge for Kern County is how to create higher paying jobs to make quality child care affordable,” Sickles told an audience of child care employers and supporters. “Kern County outpaces the state and nation in job creation, but per capita worker earnings remain lower. In fact, the gap has widened over the last 10 years.”

The report contains other interesting facts about child care. Employment in the industry has risen 420 percent from 3,412 in 1997 to 17,791 in 2001. Child care employs just under the number of people working in the construction, finance, real estate and insurance industries combined.

“LINCC discovered what was holding back child care in Kern County and that was the financing of facilities,” said Wendy Wayne, Kern County Superintendent of Schools administrator of Child Development and Family Services. “Six years ago the Packard Foundation provided the financing to make LINCC possible in Kern County and the capacity to provide child care has risen dramatically.”

LINCC statistics show that in 1997 child care facilities could only accommodate about 11,000 children. By 2001, the number jumped to approximately 33,000.

“Good, quality child care does make a difference for parents who need to be working, and it prepares children for school, which in turn helps both to contribute to society,” Wayne said. “Statistics have shown that children who spent time in child care centers showed substantial educational gains over those that did not.”

Several awards were also presented at the luncheon to those in private and public businesses who have collaborated with LINCC and CCCC to improve child care in Kern County.

Those receiving awards from CCCC Director Pam Sanders were George Gonzalez with the City of Bakersfield Community and Economic Development; Kern County Supervisor Steve Perez on behalf of the Kern County Administrative Office and the Kern County Board of Supervisors; Jeff Johnson - director of the Small Business Development Center, Kathty Lobstetter - vice president/commercial loan officer with Bank of Sierra and Becky Diltz - manager of the East Hills Mervyn's California Department Stores. Mary McCabe with Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance also was honored but was unable to attend.

LINCC has made a donation to the Tree Foundation of Kern to plant a tree in honor of those recognized at the luncheon. The trees will be planted at a child care facility chosen by each of the organizations.

Sanders told the honorees, “Your tree will bring shade and beauty for children to enjoy. The best gifts don't come in packages. They are permanently rooted in our community and give beauty and shade and clean air throughout the year.”
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