Report Finds Child-Care Issues Costing South Carolina Very Much

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new report reveals that South Carolina is losing nearly $1 billion every year due to child-care challenges, a growing crisis that is keeping parents out of the workforce and weighing down the state’s economic progress.

Parents Struggling with Access and Cost

The study, commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Social Services, found that around one in four families with young children reported work disruptions caused by child-care problems in recent months.

For some, that has meant cutting hours, shifting to part-time work, or leaving jobs altogether.

“Finding child care was brutal. I spent literal years — years, plural — on waitlists. I was forced to work part-time as a result of that wait period,” said South Carolina mom Leah McCraney, who shared her experience with lawmakers.

Economic Toll and Employer Impact

The financial hit is being felt by both families and businesses. Parents often pay thousands of dollars per year for child care, and employers lose productivity when workers are unable to fully commit to their jobs. The state also loses valuable tax revenue.

“Child care is a two-generation workforce issue: It’s critical for the workforce of today to be able to get to work and thrive, and it’s essential for the workforce of tomorrow to build the foundation they need to succeed,” said Aaron Merchen of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Some companies have already recognized the benefits of investing in child-care assistance. “Caregiving support isn’t a benefit; it’s a business strategy,” said Nicole Scott of Bank of America, pointing to higher employee retention where programs are in place.

Policy Solutions Under Consideration

Lawmakers are exploring potential solutions, including a bipartisan bill at the State House that would offer incentives to businesses providing child-care stipends, reimbursement programs, or on-site services.

“What if employers started thinking in that aspect of providing their employees with some sort of stipend or program or reimbursement structure to encourage them to offer childcare? Because as we know, child care is not just an economic issue,” said Connelly-Anne Ragley of the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Any new legislation, as well as possible state budget allocations, could be taken up when lawmakers reconvene in January.

As South Carolina continues to attract new industries and invest in workforce development, leaders say fixing the child-care gap will be essential to sustaining growth. Without solutions, the burden on families and the economy is expected to worsen.

Residents with personal experiences or solutions on child-care access are invited to share their perspectives at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.