CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Childcare centers across southeast Missouri are facing staffing shortages, financial strain, and growing demand, forcing families to make difficult decisions about care for their children.

In April, the University of Missouri reported that child-care work disruptions cost Missouri businesses an estimated $951 million in productivity and employee turnover.

Casey Hanson, Deputy Director for Kids Win Missouri, says the challenges are affecting families’ ability to participate in the workforce.

“In order for parents to be able to work when they have children zero to five, they really need to know that they have a safe place to send their child,” Hanson says.

The shortage means parents often must base their childcare decisions on cost and availability rather t

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