Local Workforce Development Boards and Child Care

Skill development and job or educational training are essential tools for low-income or low-skilled workers to increase their labor market prospects and decrease their unemployment rates, so Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) provide these services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. However, child care barriers can prevent families from fully utilizing LWDB resources. The Urban Institute surveyed LWDBs that actively support child care needs to create a recommended list of best practices and administrative structures in the field. Some findings include working with local government and partners and utilizing government agencies and grants, while common difficulties included sufficient funding and high demand for a limited child care market.