During a recent meeting of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee in San Antonio, significant concerns were raised regarding the availability and quality of child care services in the area. The discussion highlighted a critical shortage of child care seats, particularly for infants and toddlers, which poses challenges for families seeking quality care.

Currently, only 15% of all potential child care seats reported by providers are open, indicating a severe gap in available services. The data revealed that most openings are for preschool-aged children, leaving families with infants and toddlers with very few options. This disparity is compounded by geographic differences, where families in certain areas have even less access to quality care.

The committee learned that staffing issues are at the heart of the problem. Providers reported that hiring qualified staff, particularly those with child development credentials, is a top challenge. Many infant and toddler caregivers only possess a high school diploma and limited training, which affects the quality of care provided. The meeting underscored the need for better training and support for these staff members to improve care quality and expand capacity.

Financial barriers also emerged as a significant concern. Families are paying an average of $2,200 per month for infant care, which is often unsustainable given their income levels. The committee discussed potential policy implications to address these issues, focusing on enhancing quality, increasing capacity, and supporting staff development.

The committee emphasized the importance of creating a diverse child care system that meets the varied needs of families, including those with specific requirements such as language services or small family settings. Prioritizing services for infants and toddlers was highlighted as a crucial step in ensuring that all families have access to quality care.

As the committee moves forward, the discussions from this meeting will inform strategies aimed at improving child care availability and quality, ultimately supporting families in San Antonio as they navigate their child care needs.