A small Minnesota town is trying to figure out how to make sure that when workers don't get to their jobs because of a lack of childcare, they don't have to leave work to care for their kids, the Grand Forks Herald reports.
According to a press release, the city of Becker has been selected to take part in the Rural Child Care Innovation Program, a program that helps municipalities identify key components of childcare availability and its impact on jobs and economic development.
"Basically, the formula breaks down to the fact that if childcare is not available, then workers are not able to go to their jobs and there is a cumulative negative effect on the local economy," says Nicole Smude, the city's economic development coordinator.
The surveys the city is asking residents and businesses to fill out can be found on its website.
"We are trying hard to figure out the best solutions to the childcare issue," Smude says.
"By collecting as much data as possible through the surveys, the Core Team will have more information to consider as they progress thorough the program."
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