2021 Early Childhood Community Coalition Survey Results:
Survey Summary:
Of the respondents, most reported they represented Centers (51); 12 from Waukegan responded and 23 Lake County communities were represented.
During the pandemic most closed and then reopened (78)
Outside of the pandemic issues most reported ‘attracting and retaining staff’ as the biggest challenge. 41 listed this as the number 1 concern. ‘Student behavior/ was listed as major concern as well as ‘professional development’ for directors and staff.
The Early Childhood Community Coalition can help most by ‘Advocating for legislation/policies that assist working parents and childcare providers (61). and by providing ‘professional development’ (59).
Anything else?
Financial assistance (6), Financial assistance to increase staff salary; more qualified staff, staffing (6).
Overall, it appears that while licensure is still an issue among childcare providers, staffing is the number 1 concern, i.e., attracting qualified staff, training, and retaining staff is a major concern.
Actual raw data is below. 2021 Survey of Early Childhood Education and Childcare Providers – 104 total surveys returned; 60 mail, 44 electronically. Results:
- What type of facility do you represent? 40 Home 51 Center
- Where are you located? 12 Waukegan; 6 Grayslake; 5 Round Lake; 3 Zion; 3 Mundelein;
2 Gurnee; 2 Wauconda; 2 Lindenhurst; 2 Deerfield; 1 Fox Lake; 1 Ingleside; 1 Beach Park; Long Grove; 1 Hawthorn Woods; 1 Lincolnshire; 1 Gages Lake; 1 Vernon Hills; North Chicago 1; 1 Lake Barrington; 1 Libertyville; 1 Lake Zurich; 1 Highland Park; 1 Park City
- During the pandemic did you: (A.) Close 2; Close and reopen 80; Remained open 10; Close and remain closed 2; How was staffing affected: Made more difficult 43; Made impossible 12; paid staff full time for part time work; low enrollment; Not affected – 8.
- Outside of pandemic issues, what are biggest challenges your organizations faces?
Attracting and retaining quality staff 41 rated this at number 1; 10 rated it as number 2; 5 number 3; 4 at number 4; 7 at number 5, 6, or 7
Professional Development for staff: 7 listed this as number 1; 17 at number 2; 10 at number 3; 7 at 4; 13 at number 5, 6, or 7
Student behavior 10 rated this as number 1; 11 at number 2; 13 at number 3; 14 at 4; 11 at 5, or 6
Licensure 11 listed this as number 1; 4 at 2; 7 at 3; 4 at 4; 22 at 5,6 or 7
Finances: Parents’ ability to afford vs. your ability to provide quality care:16 listed this as number 1; 12 at number 2; 16 at number 3; 15 at 4,5,or 6
Transportation: 1 listed this as number 1; 2 at 2; 2 at 3; 4 at 4; 29 at 5, 6, 7, or 8
Other: staff/student attendance 9 listed as number 1; 23 listed it at 2 and 3; dealing with families’ schedules listed by 1
- How can ECCLC help?
Provide Professional Development for staff – 61
Advocate for legislation/policies that assist working parents and childcare providers – 62
Assist with licensure – 21
Other: Provide for bussing for staff children to school
- Is there anything else you would like to add or a question you wish to ask?
Financial assistance (6) Financial assistance to increase teacher pay
Help with unemployment and PPP issues Staffing (4)
More qualified staff (2) Thanks
PPE gear Professional Development in Spanish
Help w/vaccinations Help with YWCA
More info about ECCLC Help with attracting and retaining DCFS staff
9. Emails: 80 respondents listed emails for future contact.