Childcare as an Economic Development Catalyst
McHenry County is a region with enviable strengths. We have strong schools, a collaborative business community, and a mix of convenience and charm that makes our county an attractive place to live, work, and play. Our employers include major healthcare providers, advanced manufacturers, and a diverse set of industries that contribute to a resilient economy. What makes those industries, and all other industries, thrive is a strong and reliable workforce.
One of the most overlooked, yet powerful, drivers of workforce participation is access to affordable, quality childcare.
For communities aiming to grow their economies and attract talent, childcare must be recognized not just as a social service, but as a foundational component of economic infrastructure.
We are home to dedicated childcare providers, collaborative agencies, and a local community college that actively invests in early childhood education training. These strengths set us apart as a region that values families and workforce development.
According to Birth to Five: Region 44 McHenry County Needs Assessment [1], which covers McHenry County, our region has 17,613 children under the age of six. There is a slot gap of 11,733 children without access to a licensed childcare seat. Families that can’t access affordable childcare are forced to make difficult choices: cutting back work hours, leaving the workforce entirely, or relying on informal care that may not support their child’s development.
When parents can’t work, businesses lose productivity. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation estimates childcare-related workforce challenges cost the U.S. economy $122 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue [2]. For McHenry County employers struggling to fill open positions, this is a critical barrier to growth.
Just as roads, broadband, and utilities support business growth, childcare is an economic necessity. When families have reliable, affordable care, they can work, train for better jobs, or start businesses. Conversely, when childcare access is limited, the workforce shrinks, and local employers face higher turnover and absenteeism.
Communities that treat childcare as economic infrastructure gain a competitive edge. They attract and retain businesses, increase labor force participation, and set the stage for long-term growth. For McHenry County, this is not just a social investment; it’s a pro-business, pro-family strategy.
With our region’s strong foundation, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example in addressing this critical issue. Take part in addressing McHenry County’s childcare challenges:
Join the Region 44 Action Committee to help shape strategies that support working families and strengthen our workforce.
Attend the Workforce Behind the Workforce event on August 26 for a virtual screening of a documentary on the childcare crisis, hear from local voices, and engage in a conversation about the economic impact of childcare. Register here.
Read the Region 44 Needs Assessment and related reports to understand the scope of the childcare crisis and why addressing it is essential for economic growth.
Together, we can elevate childcare as a critical part of McHenry County’s economic infrastructure and build a stronger economy for all.
Mark Piekos, Executive Director
1 Birth to Five Illinois. EARLY CHILDHOOD REGIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Region 44. McHenry County, Illinois, 2023–2024. Birth to Five Illinois. PDF. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
2 Council for a Strong America. “$122 Billion: The Growing, Annual Cost of the Infant‑Toddler Child Care Crisis.” ReadyNation (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation), 2 Feb. 2023.