Economic Impact Study
Economic Impact Study PDF Print E-mail

Definition of Child Care in This Report:

“Child care is defined as paid care, supervision and/or guidance on a regular basis of a child under age 13, unaccompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian, during at least part of the day.”

Summary:

Child care has three distinct roles in Oregon’s economy. First, the child care sector is the source of early care and education for thousands of children, preparing them for future success in school and work. Second, child care is an important workforce support for parents and their employers. Third, child care is a viable industry in its own right, generating millions in annual revenues, creating thousands of jobs and supporting other industries to stimulate economic activity throughout the economy.

The Oregon child care industry:

  • Generates more than $639 million in output, of gross annual revenues;Employs at least 14,420 Oregonians in 7,900 small businesses.
  • Keeps 90,297 parents on the job, earning $2.6 billion annually.
  • Enables the production of exports each year that support $5.75 billion in sales, 52,000 Oregon jobs and $1.99 billion in income; and
  • Prepares future generations for school and workplace success.

Despite these economic contributions, the child care industry faces many challenges. Some of the challenges can be addressed through economic development solutions.

More and more, states and communities across the nation are starting to address the role of child care as a critical component in the social infrastructure. The findings of this economic analysis are offered to begin the discussion in our state.

Excerpts from the report:

“Child care is not generally recognized as a contributor within a region’s economy or even as an industry section. However, a recent study conducted by Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service provides evidence that child care is actually a formal part of the economy, contributing in significant ways to the state’s productivity.

“Child care is a viable industry in its own right, producing thousands of jobs and millions in revenue – equally strong or greater than many other important Oregon industries. In addition to these immediate benefits, the child care industry has linkages to the rest of the economy that support other industries and stimulate even more economic activity.”
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