Endless Opportunities

Childcare Shortage The childcare shortage in Southwest Virginia affects more than half of our children. Southwest Virginia’s approximately 300 childcare centers have the maximum estimated capacity to only serve 41% of the children in our region. In Virginia, families needing infant and toddler care struggle the most. A recent analysis provided by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation revealed less than 2% of our state’s families are able to find childcare for their young.

Support Where it’s Needed Most

51% of our children left without childcare

Workforce Gaps Southwest Virginia has some of the lowest labor force participation rates in the state. In 2019, 31.3% of adults in SWVA did not work. Employment took an even greater hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The 5 counties with the lowest labor force participation in our state were in Southwest Virginia.

Sources: Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board | Virginia Career Works, Virginia Tech, 2021, 2022 | Virginia Department of Social Services, 2022 | Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, 2023