Plans for reopening schools and businesses in the wake of COVID-19 all hinge, in part, on the availability of safe child care options for millions of American families. A recent impact study in Pennsylvania, however, found that hundreds of child care providers face permanent closure as a result of the pandemic.

The study, led by Phil Sirinides, director of the Institute of State and Regional Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg, found that many providers spent all available cash to stay afloat during the prolonged shutdown, and are now struggling to reopen as a result of reduced enrollment and increased costs.

Sirinides joins us to discuss the study, and his team’s recommendations for state policymakers, providers and other stakeholders in the uncertain months ahead.

Featured Research: Penn State Harrisburg Institute of State and Regional Affairs. “The Impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania Child Care.” August 2020.