Kelsey Erickson-Streufert opens the conversation with a reality check: for many restaurant operators in Texas, finding and keeping staff has never been harder. One big reason? Parents—especially mothers—are unable to work or work full-time because they can’t access affordable, reliable childcare.

It’s not just restaurants. Across industries, lack of childcare is shrinking the labor pool and contributing to hiring struggles. Wendy Uptain adds that this isn’t just anecdotal—data backs it up. When families can’t find childcare, workforce participation drops.

What’s encouraging, though, is that more employers are starting to see this as a solvable challenge—and one they can help address.

The Employers for Childcare Task Force

Enter the Employers for Childcare Task Force, a statewide initiative focused on supporting employers who want to be part of the solution. This isn’t about employers opening onsite daycare centers overnight. It’s about finding practical, scalable solutions that meet the needs of workers and businesses alike.

The Task Force works to highlight best practices, share resources, and encourage more businesses to explore how they can support working parents. That might look like:

• Partnering with local childcare providers
• Offering flexible schedules or remote work options
• Providing childcare stipends or backup care benefits
• Advocating for public policy that expands childcare access

As Wendy explains, even small changes—like adjusting shifts to align with childcare center hours—can have a major impact on employee retention.

Creative Solutions from the Field

One of the most inspiring parts of the episode is hearing real-world examples of innovation.

Kelsey shares how some restaurant owners have started collaborating with nearby childcare centers to offer employees discounted rates or guaranteed spots. In rural areas, some employers are pooling resources with neighboring businesses to create shared childcare solutions.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all models—but they prove that when employers get creative, everyone wins: parents can work, kids get quality care, and businesses retain dependable staff.

A Legislative Moment of Opportunity

Beyond the workplace, both guests emphasize the importance of policy change. The Employers for Childcare Task Force is actively involved in supporting legislative efforts that aim to expand access, improve affordability, and remove red tape for both providers and families.

With the 2025 Texas legislative session approaching, Kelsey and Wendy urge employers to stay informed and use their voices. When business leaders show that childcare access matters to the economy, lawmakers listen.

Why This Matters for Your Business

The message from this episode is simple: childcare isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a workforce and economic development issue. And while government support is essential, employers have a critical role to play in building a more accessible, sustainable childcare system.

Listen to Texas Employers: Empowering Working Parents Through Child Care on Another Week of Available Work.