Workforce News: Childcare

Early Childhood Education and Childcare Services face a talent supply problem—not a demand one. Even before the pandemic, demand for childcare services exceeded the available supply of both provider institutions and talent. Although these occupations make up a small portion of Ramsey County's workforce, representing about 1% of all employment in the county, early education and care roles are critical to getting people back to work during the post-pandemic economic recovery.

As of the third quarter of 2020, an estimated 3,441 people work in Ramsey County in early education and care roles. These roles include Childcare Workers, Preschool Teachers, Education and Childcare Administrators (preschool and daycare), and Special Education Teachers for preschools. Unemployment in Ramsey County early childhood roles sits at about 8.8%, compared to 6% across all positions as of the third quarter of 2020. Over the past five years, employment in early childhood education and care roles has increased by about 1.1% annually. The greatest growth is among Special Education Teachers in preschools (5.0% annual growth), though in small volumes and with low openings due to turnover.

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