Child Care Shortages Cost Grant County Employers $17.4M a Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Child Care Shortages Cost Grant County Employers $17.4M a Year
New plan outlines solutions to fill 1,696 child care seats, stabilize Grant County’s workforce, economy
MARION, Ind. (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2025)—A new countywide analysis reveals that Grant County employers are losing an estimated $17.4 million every year due to child care-related absences and turnover, according to the newly released Greater Grant County Strategic Action Plan Report, prepared by Transform Consulting Group (TCG). The findings show a direct link between the county’s workforce challenges and its shortage of high-quality child care — a gap of 1,696 needed child care seats for local families with young children.
The report was commissioned by the Greater Grant County Chamber of Commerce (GGC) after the organization received a state Employer-Sponsored Child Care grant to assess supply, demand, and economic impact. The research began in mid-2024, using sources such as surveys, employer feedback, economic analysis, and community data reviews. The final plan was completed in July 2025 and will be presented publicly on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. EST at the Via Credit Union (4505 S. Adams Street, Marion, IN 46953).
“Child care access is no longer just a family issue. It has evolved into a workforce and economic competitiveness issue,” Kylie Jackson, President & CEO of GGC, said. “When nearly three-fourths of local children under age six need care because parents all work, but the seats don’t exist, our employers feel the impact in lost productivity, hiring challenges, and retention struggles. This report gives us a path forward, and now we need our community aligned and ready to act.”
Among the most urgent findings:
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73 percent of Grant County children under age six need care because both parents work, which is higher than the state average.
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Families spend 11 percent of their income on child care, making cost a barrier to employment.
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Grant County has the second-highest young child poverty rate in Indiana.
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One-third of the county’s workforce is employed in education, healthcare, and social services. These sectors are most affected by child care shortages.
The Strategic Action Plan outlines three multi-year priorities:
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Strengthening the local early childhood coalition
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Increasing employer investment in child care benefits
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Expanding in high-quality and innovative care options through public/private partnerships
“This is not a report that sits on a shelf,” Amanda Lopez, president of TCG, said. “The implementation roadmap is designed for immediate action with employers, education partners, philanthropy, and local government each holding a critical role.”
Following the Nov. 5 presentation, GGC, in partnership with the Grant County Early Childhood Coalition, will begin implementing the recommendations and pursuing new funding streams, business partnerships, and policy opportunities.
Read the full Greater Grant County Child Care Action Plan Report here.
Organization Media Contact: Elizabeth Adams | liz@gogreatergrant.org | 765.664.5107
TCG Media Contact: Morgan Ellis | m.ellis@transformconsultinggroup.com | 317.324.4070 x809
About Greater Grant County Chamber of Commerce (GGC)
Greater Grant County strengthens the economic vitality of Grant County, Indiana, by supporting business growth, advocating for employers, and building a thriving community where residents and businesses can succeed. GGC provides business services, leadership initiatives, investor programming, and county-wide economic development support. Learn more about GGC at GoGreaterGrant.org.
About Transform Consulting Group
Transform Consulting Group is a national consulting firm that helps government, nonprofits, education, and philanthropy use data and strategy to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. With deep experience in early childhood, workforce development, and coalition building, TCG delivers research, planning, and implementation support that moves ideas into action and advances equitable solutions. Learn more about TCG at TransformConsultingGroup.com.
