Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation Releases Survey Highlighting Economic Impact of Child Care Challenges on Local Workforce

The Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation has released findings from its 2025 Child Care Needs & Impact Survey, which highlights the growing strain that child care barriers place on Baldwin County’s workforce and business community.

The survey, completed by Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce members representing a cross-section of industries across Baldwin County, found that 74% of businesses reported their employees have been impacted by a lack of access to affordable and reliable child care. These challenges, ranging from limited availability to high costs, are directly affecting productivity, attendance, and retention.

“Child care is not just a family issue, it’s an economic issue,” said Christopher Lugo, Director of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs at the Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation. “Employers are feeling the ripple effects in everything from staffing shortages to limited growth opportunities. They are telling us loud and clear: without reliable child care, their ability to recruit, retain, and grow talent is at risk.”

Key Survey Findings:

• Frequency of Impact on Employees:

  • Occasionally (monthly): 39%

  • Frequently (weekly or more): 32%

  • Never or rarely: 23%

  • Unsure: 6%

• Top Child Care Challenges Reported by Employers:

  • Availability of slots: 81%

  • Cost: 81%

  • Inflexible hours (mismatch with shift times): 45%

  • Lack of infant care: 39%

  • Quality concerns: 32%

  • Transportation barriers: 10%

• Child Care Benefits Currently Offered:

  • None at this time: 42%

  • Flexible work hours or remote options: 39%

  • Child care stipend or reimbursement: 19%

  • On-site or partner center: 10%

• Interest in Offering Child Care Benefits:

  • Yes: 42%

  • Maybe: 29%

  • No: 26%

When asked what would help them support employees, most businesses pointed to a need for financial incentives, partnerships with local providers, and advocacy for increased public investment in child care.

The Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation is using these insights to guide future programming and advocacy efforts. Respondents identified the following top ways the Chamber could help:

• Facilitate partnerships with child care providers
• Provide localized data and research
• Promote successful child care models
• Advocate for more public/private investment

“This is the first step toward building a more resilient workforce infrastructure,” said Lugo. “We look forward to working with businesses, providers, and policymakers to implement solutions that support both working families and economic growth.”

For more information or to get involved in upcoming child care initiatives, contact the Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation at clugo@eschamber.com.