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Hampton office flags childcare and case management as central barriers to economic mobility
Summary
The Office of Economic Empowerment told council that childcare is a primary barrier for the working poor (ALICE households) and that the office will pursue expanded childcare supports, in‑home providers and training partnerships to help residents reach living-wage jobs.
Deanna Valentine told council that childcare repeatedly emerged from community engagement as a primary barrier to economic mobility and that the office will prioritize expanded childcare options, including support for in-home certified caregivers and nontraditional hours.
Valentine said childcare is "a barrier for economic mobility," explaining that parents sometimes must use multiple providers or lose training and work opportunities because care is unavailable or unaffordable. She described a forthcoming survey for residents and said staff are exploring partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College for early-childhood training and stipends for eligible trainees. Valentine also said the office is convening community partners such as faith-based groups and the Hampton Stone Soup Collective to pilot local childcare solutions.
Council members asked about staffing and data to evaluate program success; Valentine said the office is pursuing a case-management system that will be implemented in spring to improve follow-up and measure outcomes.
