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TACIR draft finds low wages, regulatory frictions and possible policy fixes to expand childcare supply
Summary
TACIR staff presented a draft report on childcare workforce, availability and regulatory barriers under Public Chapters 934 and 938, recommending regulatory alignment between state and local agencies, incentives for worker retention, use of surplus school properties and consideration of business‑tax relief for childcare providers.
TACIR staff presented a draft report Dec. 19 summarizing research on childcare workforce conditions, capacity constraints and regulatory barriers in Tennessee required by Public Chapters 934 and 938 (Acts of 2024).
Why it matters: Childcare affordability and workforce shortages affect parents’ ability to work and employers’ ability to hire; staff told commissioners these problems vary across communities but are a consistent barrier to workforce participation.
Study methods and key findings: Bob Marrero, presenting the draft, said TACIR staff conducted six focus groups, more than 45 interviews and an online survey that drew 364 responses from childcare directors and owners. Staff reported that about 55% of respondents indicated hiring and retention were major problems and that the estimated…
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