THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION ADVANTAGE RELEASE
Two free community workshops this fall will connect Vermilion County employers and families with real childcare solutions
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. — For a growing number of Vermilion County families, the biggest obstacle to a good day at work isn’t the job itself — it’s finding someone to watch the kids. A missed childcare opening, a canceled sitter, a summer with no camp available: these everyday disruptions are quietly costing local businesses time, talent, and money.
Vermilion Advantage set out to understand just how widespread the problem really was, conducting a countywide survey of area employers earlier this year. The results, gathered from 53 businesses, confirmed what many local employers had already sensed: two-thirds said the cost of childcare is hurting their workforce, and more than half pointed to long waitlists and a shortage of open slots. For many, the fallout shows up in ways that hit the bottom line — employees missing shifts, showing up late, or leaving jobs altogether because childcare simply wasn’t there when they needed it.
With that data in hand, Vermilion Advantage turned to Birth to Five Illinois to help turn findings into action. The partnership will focus on connecting employers and families with early childhood resources and exploring solutions to help address the childcare challenges facing our local workforce and community.
“We wanted real data before we started talking about solutions, and our survey gave us that,” said Amy Brown, CEO of Vermilion Advantage. “Once we saw how many of our members were affected, partnering with Birth to Five Illinois was the natural next step — they bring the early childhood expertise, and together we can turn what we learned into real support for our workforce.”
“Birth to Five Illinois is proud to collaborate with Vermilion Advantage,” said Tammy Pollitt, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 54 (Vermilion County) Council Manager. “We have seen the impact of helping families find available programs and resources, and we know that making these connections will directly impact children, families, and local employers.”
The need is personal for many local families. As one Vermilion County family shared with Birth to Five Illinois: “We need affordable childcare in Vermilion County for working parents and we need childcare for parents who work after normal business hours and during school breaks.”
Vermilion Advantage and Birth to Five Illinois are partnering to host two workshops designed to increase awareness among employers and employees about the childcare and early childhood services available throughout Vermilion County. These workshops will provide information about local resources and programs that can support families, employees, and businesses.
Upcoming Workshops
“Beyond the Benefits Package: Childcare Solutions for Employers” — October 22, 9:00–10:30 AM, Danville Public Library. Local business leaders will get a first look at the new resource guide and dig into real, practical ways to support employees juggling work and childcare.
“Childcare 101: Finding and Affording Care in Vermilion County” — November 19, 5:00–6:30 PM, Danville Public Library (offered in a hybrid format so no one has to choose between attending and picking up their kids). This evening session connects parents and employees directly with the childcare resources available right here in Vermilion County.
