Press Release: United WE Releases Missouri Childcare Licensing Research Revealing Process Improvements Could Increase Statewide Access to Childcare

KANSAS CITY, MO  – November 20, 2024 – A new state of Missouri research study, commissioned by United WE and conducted by researchers from the Institute of Public Policy at the University of Missouri, reveals childcare provider licensing can be time-consuming, costly and the required regulatory processes are hampered by facilities’ staffing shortages and turnover. These barriers come at a time when there are nearly three times as many Missouri children, aged six or under, than childcare slots.

Access to reliable, quality childcare has long been a concern for working parents across the nation and has become more problematic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Of Missouri families with children, 291,530 children (71%) have employed parents. Despite the number of working families in the state that need childcare, 85% of Missouri counties have more than three children under the age of six per licensed child care slot, which by definition classifies them as being in a childcare desert.*

“With our children’s health and safety at the forefront, we believe licensing challenges are creating barriers for providers to address the significant need for more quality childcare in the state of Missouri. We know from previous focus groups we’ve conducted with childcare providers that they’re struggling to stay open, meet state and federal licensing requirements and pay a living wage,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE, a nonpartisan organization with a mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. “This critical research identifies legislative efficiencies that will ensure Missouri can help resolve the current childcare crisis and harness the full potential of women in the workforce to drive economic growth and prosperity for the entire state.”

Based on interviews with state childcare licensing staff and childcare providers, the most time-consuming and costly regulations for providers to implement during the initial licensing process are those that require renovations, such as Missouri fire and sanitation requirements. Providers are responsible for contacting local authorities about additional county- or municipal-level regulations, which are not uniformly available via city/county websites or phone calls to local officials.

“This research describes the childcare licensing process at the state and local level and examines whether there are characteristics of the licensing process that make opening a new childcare program or continuing to operate a licensed program overly burdensome,” says Emily Johnson, Associate Director of Operations at University of Missouri’s Institute of Public Policy. “Adequate childcare resources are an investment in the well-being of Missouri families and the intent of this research is to highlight the childcare gaps that can ultimately address challenges with childcare licensing for the economic strength of the state.”

Researchers provided policy and practice recommendations which include:  

Community

• Local mentoring networks to support childcare entrepreneurs during the initial licensing process

• Regional and local communication channels for childcare providers during the initial licensing process

• Online resources for providers to easily access local licensing requirements

Legislative

• Explore legislative actions to replace discontinued ARPA funding to childcare

• Create a pre-licensing requirement of participation in programs such as the Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators (MO-SECA) training as part of the initial licensing process

Administrative

• Develop a specialized team of Inspectors to focus on guiding providers through the initial licensing process

• Establish a task force to examine administrative burden (for both providers and licensing staff) embedded in the licensing process and make recommendations

• Adopt a centralized child care program management system to simplify and streamline business operations and paperwork

The full Missouri Childcare Licensing research study is the United WE Institute’s 36th research study and is available here. 

As part of United WE’s Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, the organization also released national state-by-state childcare licensing research to provide a high-level overview of state-level licensing regulations and recommendations for policy changes. The nationwide research is available as part of the Institute here.  

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*Malik, R., Hamm, K., and Adamu, M. (2016, October). Child care deserts: An analysis of child care centers by ZIP code in 8 states. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/child-care-deserts/

Press Release: United WE Releases Childcare Licensing Research Revealing Significant Opportunities for Oklahoma Childcare To Meet Demand

KANSAS CITY, MO  – November 12, 2024 – A new state of Oklahoma research study, commissioned by United WE and conducted by researchers from the College of Education and Human Sciences and the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University, illustrates that there are many more children in Oklahoma than there are spots in licensed facilities, and the supply is not evenly distributed.

There are over 3,000 licensed facilities in Oklahoma. In almost all counties, the number of available slots does not meet the demand, which shows there is a pressing need for additional childcare capacity. 

“Focusing on adequate childcare resources is an investment in the well-being of Oklahoma families and ensures Oklahoma harnesses the full potential of women in the workforce to drive economic growth and prosperity for the entire state,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE, a nonpartisan organization with a mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. “In partnership with the research funders and legislators, our goal is to inform policymakers, educators and the public about the childcare gaps and to collaborate with partners to advocate for strategies to address challenges with childcare licensing.” 

The research investigates the current state of Oklahoma childcare that serves children prior to Kindergarten, specifically examining the number of facilities and the existing barriers at the city, county, and state levels. Findings reveal there is much variation in municipal, city, and county regulations for licenses/permits, zoning and health and safety across Oklahoma.

Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected, key recommendations include, 

• State-level efforts to incentivize the establishment of new childcare facilities 

• Streamline licensing processes for new licenses and incorporate a coaching or mentorship program

• Expand ongoing financial support and incentives that support childcare providers 

• Improve communication and support for providers 

• Reevaluate and simplify regulatory requirements

• Examine variability in municipal/city/county regulations for zoning, health, safety, and business licenses/permits

• Enhance workforce stability for childcare providers 

“Our recommendations underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between state agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for childcare challenges,” says Adrienne Redmond-Sanogo, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Accessible, affordable, and quality childcare is critical for young children’s development and for their parents’ ability to work outside the home. Many Oklahoma parents have difficulty identifying suitable childcare options for their children, especially before children enter Kindergarten. Women, who often bear the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, are essential contributors to the Oklahoma economy.

“As we move forward, OSU’s commitment to outreach and engagement can facilitate the implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that research findings translate into tangible benefits for Oklahoma’s children and families,” says Evan Davis, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business.

The Oklahoma Childcare Licensing research is the United WE Institute’s 35th research study and is available here. In 2022, United WE partnered with OSU’s Spears School of Business on a Status of Women in Oklahoma research report that examines women’s economic status in the state.

As part of United WE’s Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, the organization also released national state-by-state childcare licensing research to provide a high-level overview of state-level licensing regulations and recommendations for policy changes. The nationwide research is available as part of the Institute here.  

Let’s Unite to Create Systemic Change and a Better Future for All

Thank you for exercising your right to vote. Let’s continue to treat each other with civility and respect, and unite to create systemic change and a better future for all.

One of United WE’s core values is non-partisanship. As an organization dedicated to advancing all women’s economic and civic leadership, we are encouraged to see issues like childcare, paid family leave, and entrepreneurship elevated as priorities to advance America’s economy forward.

“Advocating for women to lead is central to the work we do every day at United WE,”
said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “We work to unite people around
research, solutions, and results to advance economic opportunities for all women and
their families.”

United WE conducts evidenced-based research on topics including childcare,
occupational licensing, entrepreneurship, paid family leave, civic engagement, and pay
equity. Based on research findings, we develop solutions like policy change and the
Appointments Project®. We have seen policy change remove economic barriers for
women and their families and the Appointments Project® result in the appointments of over 200 women.

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LET’S UNITE AND GET TO WORK

Three things to do:
1. Sign up to learn more about the Appointments Project®. One of United WE’s main initiatives to get more women at the civic decision-making table is the Appointments Project®. Through the program, we empower women to serve on civic boards and commissions, where they have the power to make policy decisions that affect our day-to-day lives. 

2. Share United WE’s research. Through the United WE Institute; we continue to conduct groundbreaking research on women related to their economic security and mobility. This research leads to policy. Policy leads to advocacy. And advocacy leads to systemic change. 

3. Donate to the Change Can’t Wait Campaign. This campaign accelerates the opportunity to help women achieve their full economic and civic potential. The funding will enable us to drive forward innovative research to support women’s full participation in the workforce. It will also allow us to share research findings with local, regional, and state policymakers and expand our successful programming to advance civic leadership.

United WE Welcomes Sarah Smith as Chief Operating Officer

KANSAS CITY, MO – October 21, 2024 – United WE is proud to announce strategic organizational leader and innovative operations professional Sarah Smith has joined its team as Chief Operating Officer. As United WE continues to expand its regional and national footprint, Sarah will enhance the organization’s internal processes to ensure operational excellence, working closely with President & CEO Wendy Doyle and the rest of the leadership team to enhance the organization's efficiency.

With her extensive background in nonprofit operations and strategic planning, Sarah will cultivate and manage relationships with external partners, vendors, and contractors. She will also collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute plans for operational infrastructure, process improvements, and team development.  

"We are at a critical juncture in our work to achieve economic and civic leadership for women , and efficient operations are key to ensuring the organization can continue to drive meaningful change,” said President & CEO Wendy Doyle. “Sarah will be essential to ensuring we have the resources we need to empower more women through research, policy, and leadership initiatives."

Prior to joining United WE, Sarah served as Vice President of Learning and Foundation Operations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation where she led learning, evaluation, financial management, and operational excellence initiatives. During her tenure, she oversaw strategic planning processes, managed cross-functional teams, and implemented initiatives that improved financial and operational systems. She also developed a comprehensive learning and evaluation framework to measure the foundation's impact and influence its strategic direction. Her years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including roles at the Missouri Foundation for Health, has uniquely prepared her to guide United WE through its next chapter.

With the addition of Sarah to the leadership team, the organization is well-positioned to expand its Appointments Project®, which has helped more than 200 women secure appointments to civic boards and commissions, and further United WE’s research and policy reforms that address the key issues facing women today.

“United WE’s strong mission, emphasis on research, and compelling narrative were what initially drew me to this role, and after meeting the team and seeing firsthand the collaborative nature of this work, I am even more excited about the opportunity,” said Sarah. “I look forward to working closely with Wendy and the entire team to advance the impactful work that United WE is known for. I’m eager to contribute to the mission and help drive systems-level change for women’s economic and civic leadership.”

United WE Launches Kansas City Transformation Journey Groups to Empower Women Civic Leaders

Program to Support Diverse Women in Identifying and Taking Next Steps In Civic Leadership Journeys

KANSAS CITY, MO – August 1, 2024 – United WE today announces the Kansas City Transformation Journey Groups, a new offering under the Appointments Project® generously funded by the Health Forward Foundation and supported by Oracle. Under this program, United WE will bring diverse women together to explore service on appointed boards and commissions. 

The journey groups will convene Black, Latina, and rural women in the Kansas City region. Journey group programming will ensure women are equipped with the knowledge to confidently navigate the appointments process and serve effectively in a civic leadership position. These groups will also support participants in building a community of women with similar lived experiences and exploring the intersection of identity and civic engagement.

“United WE works to ensure all women are represented on local boards, not only as a matter of equality but also as a means to improve the quality and efficacy of decision-making,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “United WE supports women in launching their civic leadership journey and I’m delighted we are able to convene this type of experience for many diverse women in the Kansas City area.”

Kicking off in September 2024, the three journey groups will meet monthly through January 2025. A celebration event will be held in February 2025 and include participants from all journey groups.

“Health Forward Foundation supports and builds inclusive, powerful and healthy communities in the Kansas City region, and United WE’s journey groups will further mobilize women in our service area to learn and engage in civic leadership opportunities,” said McClain Bryant Macklin, VP of Policy and Impact at Health Forward Foundation. “We are proud to fund the journey groups to increase women’s civic leadership participation and engagement to advance their economic potential and achieve gender and racial equity.”

An Advisory Board was established to ensure the program meets the needs and expectations of diverse women and aligns with the overarching goals for the Appointments Project. Journey group applications are available now and will close on August 29, 2024 or when groups have reached capacity. Black, Latina and rural women in the Kansas City region interested in the program are encouraged to apply at www.united-we.org/apjourney.    

The United WE National Commission On Childcare And Women’s Entrepreneurship Announces Its Statement Of Principles At Kauffman Foundation’s “Takes Heart” Event

KANSAS CITY, MO – June 25, 2024 – The United WE National Commission on Childcare and Women’s Entrepreneurship today announced its Statement of Principles to guide its mission in sparking new evidence-based practices and policies to assist more entrepreneurial women in finding diverse childcare solutions to fully participate in the dynamic U.S. economy. 

The Statement of Principles were revealed at the “Takes Heart: A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurs” event held at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The exclusive event focused on celebrating women entrepreneurs and featured an interactive 5-foot tall heart located outside the Kauffman Foundation as part of Kansas City’s Parade of Hearts. 

“For women entrepreneurs who need expanded childcare support to help them achieve   greater business success, current childcare solutions are not cutting it,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “The United WE National Commission on Childcare and Women’s Entrepreneurship, funded by a Kauffman Foundation grant, is engaging a broader coalition of audiences — other than traditional childcare stakeholders — who are not typically part of the conversation but their voices and support are needed to help solve America’s childcare crisis.” 

The Commission of national leaders is one element of a Kauffman Foundation grant that also included a state-by-state childcare licensing research report and a recent nationwide survey of women entrepreneurs and their childcare needs.

The Commission’s Statement of Principles includes the following key recommendations:

• accommodate supply-side (e.g., operational grants and targeted tax credits for teachers and program operators) and demand-side (e.g., vouchers for families) public support. 

• compensate the childcare workforce sufficiently so that early educators flourish and the quality of childcare programs improves. 

• include robust, real-time data on childcare supply and demand so that policymakers can accurately plan for, and fund, services for the age groups and locations where gaps are most significant, and families can easily identify available spaces, reserve, and enroll in childcare sites online.

Learn more about United WE’s work to create meaningful change for all women and read the Commission’s full Statement of Principles here. 

ABC News Live Prime Anchor Linsey Davis to Headline United WE’s Annual We Work for Change Event on September 12

Proceeds Fuel United WE’s Research, Advocacy, Policy Solutions and Civic Engagement Programs

KANSAS CITY, MO – June 12, 2024 – One of the nation’s most accomplished broadcast journalists, two-time Emmy Award-winning anchor of “ABC News Live Prime” and best-selling author of six books, Linsey Davis will speak at United WE’s 2024 We Work for Change event on September 12, 2024. Hosted at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and live streamed nationally, Linsey will address the important role of women uniting to advance women of all ages with United WE President & CEO Wendy Doyle and discuss her experience moderating the Presidential debate occurring just prior to the event. 

We Work for Change, presented by Bank of America, is United WE's signature annual fundraising event uniting women and allies to raise funds and awareness to advance all women's economic and civic leadership. The event has inspired generations of women and men to work toward a more gender-equitable world.

“At Bank of America, we know that when women thrive, so do families, communities and economies. That’s why we’re committed to investing in women at a global and local level and help by providing economic opportunity for women through support of nonprofit organizations, such as United WE, that advance and empower women,” said Linda Lenza, Senior Vice President and Market Executive, Bank of America Kansas City. “United WE continues to be a positive force for change to improve the lives of women, which is why we’re proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s We Work for Change event.”

Linsey will co-moderate the second debate of this year’s presidential election planned for September 10. Davis helped lead the ABC News coverage of the 2022 midterm elections and was at the forefront of ABC’s News’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election spanning all eight nights of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. She is renowned for her tough but fair moderating skills in political debate. 

“As a journalist, I talk directly with politicians about how they address policy issues facing the country,” said Linsey Davis. “United WE’s nonpartisan and civil approach is key to its success in improving the lives of women. Its research covering inequities in pay, paid family leave, affordable childcare, and barriers for women entrepreneurs reveals insights necessary to better understand our nation’s economy and the importance of uniting to move forward.”

“Linsey Davis is a trusted nonpartisan voice in journalism, and we recognize and value the power of her news reporting and authorship of inspiring children’s books,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “We are delighted for Linsey to share her extensive knowledge of politics, current events, and her experiences as a woman leader in the media at our We Work For Change event as we unite with hundreds of women and allies across the country to fuel and advance all women’s economic and civic leadership.”

Sponsorship opportunities are now available (view here), and you can find virtual tickets here for the nationwide live stream. Join United WE in creating meaningful change for all women and learn more at www.united-we.org.

Press Release: Nationwide Survey: 57 Percent of Women Entrepreneurs Believe Their Businesses Would Be More Successful If They Could Resolve Childcare Challenges

KANSAS CITY, MO – June 4, 2024 – In a new nationwide survey commissioned by United WE and announced today at the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Days in Washington D.C., 62 percent of women entrepreneurs indicate childcare options fail to meet their needs and negatively impact their business. In this study of 750 women entrepreneurs with children under age 6, the majority, or 57 percent, state that their business could be more successful if they had better childcare options.

“For years, women entrepreneurs have been taking a giant step forward to start their own businesses because they wanted more flexible childcare support,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE, a nonpartisan organization with a mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. “What we’re learning now is that women entrepreneurs’ growth is being held back by inadequate childcare options, partially driven by critical needs within the childcare workforce itself.”

Women pack a powerful economic punch in driving the U.S. economy. According to a 2024 Wells Fargo report, women-owned businesses continue to positively impact the economy, representing more than 14 million of all businesses, or 39.1 percent, employing 12.2 million workers and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.

“Similar to other foundational business functions like accounting, software and internet services, childcare also should be considered as a business support function,” says Jen Earle, NAWBO National’s CEO. “Heightened economic growth for women business owners depends on making this shift in thinking about childcare.”

Of the women surveyed, 66 percent launched their businesses to gain greater flexibility in childcare. Women entrepreneurs with household incomes under $100,000 were significantly more likely than those from higher income households to say that flexibility provided by entrepreneurship was a very important reason for their decision to launch their businesses.

When asked about their specific childcare needs, 31 percent of women say that flexible scheduling in childcare services is their first need. Second (29 percent) is the need for infant and toddler care followed by the third (27 percent), which is care during early morning and late evening hours.

“This data reveals that flexible childcare infrastructure is critical to support women entrepreneurs in fueling business growth,” said DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, who funded the survey. “When more flexible options for childcare are created, women entrepreneurs can achieve increased economic growth with the confidence their children have the best care.”

The nationwide research, conducted by Openfields, is part of the United WE Institute and available at www.united-we.org/2024childcaresurvey.

Press Release: United WE’s National Civic Engagement Research Reveals that Women Make Up Only 39 Percent of Local Appointed Boards and Commissions Across the U.S.

First-of-its-kind research shows gender gaps on appointed boards and commissions nationwide

KANSAS CITY, MO – March 20, 2024 – Today, United WE announced the results of its National Civic Engagement Research commissioned to collect data and analyze women’s participation on local appointed boards and commissions across the U.S. Of the 5,125 board seats analyzed, only 39% are occupied by women even though women make up just over half of the U.S. population, according to the research conducted by Openfields. 

As the first national study of its kind, the National Civic Engagement Research is part of the United WE Institute’s effort to assess challenges and drive advances in women’s economic and civic participation for a greater future.  

“This confirms that significant gender gaps still exist on local appointed boards and commissions nationwide indicating that boards do not reflect the diversity of the communities served,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “Government that reflects diversity increases public trust and enables effective and equitable policymaking to improve outcomes for all citizens.” 

The National Civic Engagement Research also shows the following: 

• Women are especially underrepresented on Planning and Zoning boards, filling only 35% of seats. These especially powerful boards make highly impactful decisions about land use and development. 

• Women are underrepresented on boards in more than three-fourths of cities. At most, only 21 cities or 21.4% meet or exceed a 50% threshold of women on boards. 

• Women were also underrepresented on Parks and Recreation and Housing boards. On library boards, the only type where women were overrepresented, they occupy between five and six out of every 10 seats.

Even though the research exposes the gap, progress is being made through United WE’s Appointments Project® - which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year - and offers training and resources that inspire and equip women to serve. Hundreds of women have participated in the program, and many have been appointed to boards and commissions. Doyle encourages women to investigate board representation in their community, learn about open board positions, and seek an appointment. 

“I know we can do better as individuals, local elected officials, and for our communities. We must take action to increase representation and gender balance,” says Doyle. “I want to emphasize that women already have the unique skills and experiences to bring to the table so I encourage them to apply to serve on a board or commission where they live.” 

The report recommends cities and counties to take these steps:  

• Consider how factors like meeting times, locations and availability of childcare can be adjusted to better accommodate women’s participation.

• Explicitly invite and encourage women to apply.

• Disseminate more information about the appointments process itself. Many cities’ board pages list information about vacant seats, but fewer provide clear information about how residents can apply to fill those vacancies.

• Publish comprehensive lists of appointed boards and commissions on government websites, along with information about members and term lengths,

This research continues United WE’s commitment to using research and action to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. To date, more than 30 research studies addressing civic engagement, entrepreneurship, equal pay, and more have been completed. As a result, 23 laws have been enacted, nine executive orders placed, and 25 administrative actions have been made. To find out more, this research and all other studies are located at the United WE Institute.

Learn more about how United WE is creating meaningful change for all women at www.united-we.org.

United WE Testimony on Kansas HB 2818

Joan Ruff

Chair of the United WE Board of Directors

Joan Ruff, Chair of the United WE Board of Directors, provided testimony in support of House Bill 2818 to the Kansas House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development. Here is her full testimony:

My name is Joan Ruff and I am Chair of the United WE Board of Directors. As you may recall from previous sessions, the mission of United WE is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership.

On behalf of United WE, I’m pleased to testify today in support of HB 2818 and propose that an occupational regulation is carefully considered, prioritizing public benefit and the least restrictive measures to protect the general welfare.

This legislation aims to establish structured guidelines for evaluating proposals to regulate occupations not covered before July 1, 2024. By promoting transparency and informed decision-making, we aim to facilitate individuals' pursuit of their chosen professions without unnecessary government intervention.

We believe this would help create a culture of economic empowerment for women in Kansas. Our Status of Women in Kansas research report told us that women are more likely to hold a certification or license than employed men. For that reason, United WE works to remove barriers faced by women in professions that are governed by occupational licensing regulatory boards and frameworks. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, the Kansas economy can grow by 10-15% by the year 2025 if women are fully participating in the workforce. This legislation is a step in the right direction to position Kansas as an economic leader becoming the 15th state in the country to have such a provision.

HB 2818 is the right approach to facilitate more informed decision-making, prevent duplicative and unnecessary regulatory boards from being created, and create a more efficient occupational licensing structure for women entrepreneurs, employed professionals, and all Kansans. For example, currently salon owners who offer spray tanning services, but do not have a tanning bed at their site, are not required to hold a state license. This allows salon owners to tap into a growing market in a manner that does not pose a risk to public health and earn a living for their family. This example shows a balance between entrepreneurism and public welfare and this is the type of balance we hope to secure throughout the state’s economy.

Thank you for the opportunity to share United WE’s perspective on this bill.