The San Diego region is grappling with a significant childcare crisis that threatens both family stability and workforce productivity. In a recent analysis, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence revealed that the demand for childcare and senior care has intensified, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. This situation has led to thousands of families struggling to find affordable care, a reality that many parents, including those in the “sandwich generation,” are now facing.
Childcare costs have skyrocketed, with families like one local couple spending nearly $2,000 a month for their youngest child. This figure often surpasses what many families pay in rent, placing an immense financial strain on working parents. As a result, qualified caregivers are leaving their roles for better-paying opportunities in sectors like retail and hospitality, further shrinking the available childcare slots. The crisis is particularly alarming, as the region lost nearly 2,000 slots during the pandemic.
Impacts on Families and Workforce
Many families are now left on waiting lists for months, with the burden disproportionately affecting women who must leave the workforce to care for their children. The senior-care sector is facing a similar challenge, with an estimated 70% of the more than half-million seniors in the region expected to require long-term care. Yet, only about 29,000 licensed senior-care slots are available, meaning that roughly three out of five seniors may not have access to necessary services.
The workforce shortage in caregiving roles is staggering. Across California, employers report a need for 148,000 home health and personal care aides, a demand that is now 50 times higher than projected a decade ago. This growing gap raises concerns not only about the care system but also about its effects on student success, as many adult learners struggle to balance education and caregiving responsibilities.
In a survey conducted by the Center of Excellence, over 600 adult learners aged 25 and older revealed that caregiving responsibilities significantly hindered their educational pursuits. Many reported pausing or abandoning their studies due to the overwhelming demands of balancing work, school, and caregiving.
Community Solutions and Support
To address these pressing issues, community colleges are positioned as key players in mitigating the caregiving crisis. Programs already in place at institutions like the San Diego College of Continuing Education provide essential training for aspiring caregivers, offering courses ranging from personal care assistant training to English as a Second Language classes. However, many of these programs rely on consistent financial support to thrive, and the discontinuation of funding could jeopardize their future.
Support for caregivers is critical not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the broader economy and community. Caregivers often earn less than a living wage, which compounds the challenges they face. Therefore, policies that ensure caregivers are supported and compensated fairly are essential for sustaining a robust workforce.
This National Family Caregivers Month serves as a timely reminder of the need to acknowledge and support caregivers in our communities. As families in San Diego continue to navigate the complexities of childcare and elder care, proactive solutions are necessary to ensure that caregivers are not left to shoulder this burden alone. The future of our workforce depends on the actions taken today to strengthen the caregiving system.
Dr. Tina Ngo Bartel, executive director of the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence, emphasizes that addressing these challenges is vital for the economic well-being of the region. By investing in caregiving solutions, San Diego can pave the way for a more stable and supportive future for families and workers alike.
