New simulation opens eyes to child care challenges

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

You’re a single parent, with an income below the poverty level.

Or you’re a dual-income household, with an income also below the poverty level.

Maybe you’re a dual-income middle-class family or even a household with a six-figure income.

None of these scenarios is immune from child care challenges – and a new simulation exercise offered through EmBe will open your eyes to what reality looks like for families across the Sioux Falls area.

“It’s sort of like a choose-your-own adventure book, but one that’s designed to help inform people what child care options exists in our community and then also challenge our partners in the community, including businesses, to face the crisis that so many families do,” said Sarah Meagher, director of curriculum and licensing for EmBe.

Meagher and the EmBe team were inspired by a similar exercise to help people understand poverty.

“What we have been learning in the last two years is that the ongoing child care crisis is leaving families in really tough spots, and we’re not sure everyone understands the reality of what those choices are,”  Meagher said.

For instance, some participants in the scenario will discover their persona is unable to qualify for state assistance because there isn’t an active child support case.

“Calling to ask for an exemption can be a huge barrier if you have survived domestic violence or for other reasons don’t want to pursue child support,” Meagher said. “We’re one of the only states that has that requirement to access federal dollars.”

In another simulation, you might be a dual-income family that has to decide whether to accept a raise knowing it will mean you no longer qualify for child care assistance.

“Does it make more sense to turn it down so you continue to qualify, or do you take the raise but now child care eats up half your income?” Meagher said.

“What’s the impact on their family and health overall when such a large sum of income goes to child care?”

Even those households earning $150,000 will still find hurdles in this exercise.

“At that level, it’s a reasonable cost for two kids, but we set it up so they have a 6-month-old and a 2-year-old with no extended family or anyone else available, and it’s difficult to find care,” Meagher said.

“You’re still required to compromise. Do you drive all the way across town? Are there options in line with your values or are you compromising there?”

All scenarios include various life events, whether it’s another baby, a promotion, or a grandparent or secondary care provider moving away.

“This really captures the impact on people and whether they’re able to remain in the workforce or compromise their priorities as parents,” Meagher said.

The exercise is facilitated and takes about an hour to complete, with time for discussion. EmBe is able to provide it for workplaces and community groups.

“The real point is to help teams, whether it’s businesses, HR or other community stakeholders to walk through this and have them understand what it looks like in our community and what the impact is to the workforce and to economic development,” Meagher said.

“There’s a lot of stress around it, whether it’s fitting your budget or leaving your child somewhere you’re not sure is the best place for them. That affects people all day at work and makes it a lot harder to focus and be productive.”

EmBe first offered the simulation at its ribbon-cutting earlier this fall, and “we had really positive and exciting feedback,” Meagher said.

If you’d like to sign up for a simulation exercise, contact Rachel Gross at [email protected].

“It’s absolutely imperative that the community is involved and that businesses are aware and involved,” Meagher said.

Support the cause

EmBe currently supports about a half-million dollars annually in scholarships for child care, helping fill the financial gaps encountered by families such as those highlighted in the simulation.

“We want to be clear that’s not sustainable for our operations,” Meagher said. “We want the community to understand that for the cost of a coffee every day, you can help us support families grow and flourish through helping with access to child care.”

If you’re moved to help alleviate the challenges of child care, EmBe has options. This Giving Tuesday, all gifts will be matched at 50 percent by Thrivent up to $20,000. A 24-hour link will be available on Dec. 3 here. If you would like to make a 100 percent matched donation, with a lead gift from Miles and Lisa Beacom, make your donation toward EmBe’s Scholarship Fund today here.

“Making a monthly donation, even if it’s $10 or $20 a month, is something that goes a long way and really ensures kids who need care can receive it, so their parents can go to work and continue to provide for their needs at home,” Meagher said.

To connect with the EmBe Scholarship Fund, click here.