Child care is more than a family issue. It is a workforce issue, an economic development issue, and a business issue.
Across the Fredericksburg region, employers continue to face workforce challenges that are directly connected to the availability and affordability of quality child care. When parents cannot find reliable child care, businesses experience higher absenteeism, increased turnover, reduced productivity, and a smaller talent pool.
A 2025 Virginia statewide employer survey found that child care challenges are having a significant impact on employers across the Commonwealth:
- 81% of employers say child care challenges hinder hiring and retaining employees.
- 85% report child care issues reduce workplace productivity.
- 88% say employees are late to work or miss work because of child care problems.
- 65% say employees reduce their work hours because they cannot find reliable child care.
- 41% report job offers or promotions are declined due to child care challenges.
- 34% say employees leave their jobs because of child care issues.
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The survey also found that 65% of employers say employees cannot find child care programs with available openings, while 86% report employees struggle with the cost of child care.
These challenges impact businesses of every size and industry, making child care a critical part of our region’s economic infrastructure.
A statewide initiative with regional leadership
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, through Workforce NOW, is partnering with Foundation First, Ready Region North Central, the Virginia Chamber, and regional employers and community leaders to advance the Virginia Business Ready Early Education (VBREE) Regional Initiative.
VBREE is a statewide initiative focused on strengthening Virginia’s workforce by improving access to quality child care. The Fredericksburg region is proud to be among the first regions in the Commonwealth leading this important work.
Together, regional partners are working to:
- Increase access to quality child care.
- Support working families.
- Strengthen the early childhood workforce.
- Help businesses attract and retain talent.
- Build a regional action plan that reflects the needs of employers and the local economy.
Why business engagement matters
Businesses have an important voice in shaping solutions.
The employer survey found that while fewer than 20% of businesses currently offer child care-related benefits, many would consider initiatives such as child care referral services, cost-sharing models, employer-sponsored child care, or child care subsidies if the right partnerships and resources existed.
Employer experience can help identify workforce challenges, inform regional priorities, and shape practical solutions that support employers, employees, and the long-term economic success of the region.
We want to hear from you
The perspective of employers is essential.
Whether an organization is experiencing workforce challenges related to child care or leaders simply want to learn more about this regional initiative, they are invited to connect.
Complete our interest form to let us know if your organization would like to:
- Receive more information about the initiative.
- Participate in regional business advocacy efforts focused on child care.
- Complete future employer surveys that will help shape regional and statewide solutions.
By working together, the region can strengthen its workforce, support working families, and help ensure the Fredericksburg area remains one of the best places to live, work, and do business.
Together, the community can build a stronger workforce by strengthening access to quality child care.
