Local leaders discuss childcare solutions at Eastern Shore Childcare Summit

BY COLIN JAMES
Reporter
colin@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 2/4/25

DAPHNE — The Eastern Shore Foundation Childcare Summit was held in Daphne last week where community leaders gathered to discuss the challenges of childcare that impact families, businesses and …

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Local leaders discuss childcare solutions at Eastern Shore Childcare Summit

Posted

DAPHNE — The Eastern Shore Foundation Childcare Summit was held in Daphne last week where community leaders gathered to discuss the challenges of childcare that impact families, businesses and the local workforce.


The event brought together local business leaders, educators, policymakers and childcare providers intended to brainstorm ideas and work toward a solution to make childcare in Alabama more affordable and accessible to those who need it most.


"This summit was about bringing together the right people ... to start turning challenges into solutions" said Christopher Lugo, director of workforce development and governmental affairs for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. "Childcare isn't just a family issue. It's an economic issue that directly impacts workforce retention and business growth. By working together, we can create real change on the Eastern Shore and surrounding area."


Leaders such as restaurateur and chef "Panini" Pete Blohme, Robin Ricks of Manufacture Alabama and Holly Glasgow of Shelton State Community College held a panel to discuss how certain industries like hospitality and manufacturing struggle with workforce retention due to childcare shortages, highlighting Shelton State's 3by3 Program, which looks to ease the issue by expanding the number of at-home day care centers in the college's town of Tuscaloosa.


Experts including Josh Duplantis of Coastal Alabama Community College, SAWDC Executive Director Bridget Wilson and Melinda Ladnier from AIDT Maritime Training Center also held a panel to discuss how childcare barriers can affect workforce participation in industries requiring specific specialized training in fields such as maritime and manufacturing.


In addition, Rhonda Mann, executive director of Voices for Alabama's Children, gave a keynote address, giving a roadmap for supporting working parents, children and employers in Alabama.


A big talking point in the summit was the passing of the Working for the Alabama Employer Childcare Tax Credit bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2024. The bill aims to incentivize businesses to invest in childcare solutions for their employees, with hopes that it will make childcare more accessible as well as reinforcing retention in the workforce.


In 2024, Alabama ranked 39th in the nation in child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book. With the passage of the new law and other efforts to improve childcare in Alabama, local leaders have made it clear they are serious about improving the lives of the next generation of Americans.