Grant aims to recruit, train early childcare workers in Missouri

(Columbia, MO) — A multi-million-dollar effort is underway to recruit and train future early childhood caregivers and educators in Missouri. University of Missouri’s Department of Human Development and Family Science Chair Brenda Lohman says the shortage of early childhood workers is far-reaching. “ Out of our 115 counties, 78 of those counties are designated as what we call childcare deserts,” said Lohman. She says almost all Missouri counties need more infant and toddler caregivers.

Lohman also says the childcare worker shortage costs Missouri businesses hundreds of millions of dollars each year and that one in four Missouri families report they’ve had to quit work or turn down a job offer because of child care challenges. Childcare is typically a big part of a family’s bu