A new report from Oregon State University shows that as of March 2020, all 36 counties in Oregon qualify as child care âdesertsâ for infants and toddlers â meaning that there are at least three children under the age of 2 for every available child care slot in the county.
Baseline report
Researchers say the report, based on data collected prior to COVID-19, will serve as a useful baseline to highlight how the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges facing Oregon families with small children.
âThis report confirmed what families understand: Thereâs not enough child care, period, but thereâs really a crisis when it comes to infant and toddler slots,â said Megan Pratt, an assistant professor of practice in OSUâs College of Public Health and Human Sciences and lead author of the report, published today. Michaella Sektnan at OSU was her co-author.
Child care already scarce in Oregon before pandemic hit, OSU report says
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Special Report: Oregon s child care industry | News
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In a Child Care Desert, More Spots Dry Up ▶ [With Video]
Central Oregon had a big shortage of child care before the pandemic. Now, with far fewer slots, local groups are collaborating to ease the burden. As part of its economic vitality goals for 2019-2021, the Bend City Council sought to increase available child care slots by 20% as compared to September 2019. Due in part to challenges related to COVID-19, the Council has fallen behind its goal to increase child care availability in the area. Like much of Oregon, Bend is considered a child care desert meaning there s one opening for every three or more children who need one. In November 2019, regional businesses, early learning and health organizations and the Bend Chamber hired a Central Oregon childcare accelerator to try to address the issue. However, the position was disbanded earlier this year due to changing priorities and a lack of funding once the pand