Expert blames child care crisis on ‘broken’ business model, offers solutions

The impending closures of three child care centers in Duluth have parents and stakeholders scrambling. It’s more examples of the child care crisis across the state that has left many with difficult decisions.

First Children’s Finance has been supporting child care businesses in Minnesota and other states for more than 30 years. Suzanne Pearl leads their Minnesota programs and said it comes down to a “broken” business model.

“Child care is too expensive for parents yet child care businesses are barely scraping by. We talk about just razor-thin profit margins — where they exist at all.”

Pearl shared more with MPR host Tom Crann about what First Children’s Finance is doing to help child care centers sustain their businesses.

To hear the conversation about aging services, click the player above.

• For a Wiccan reverend, celebrating winter solstice is about reflection and light
• Retro holiday recipes with a modern twist, from a Minnesota chef
• The reason for warmer Minnesota winters: Less snow
• Minnesota House tie in peril after judge rules DFL lawmaker can’t be sworn in