Workforce Vibe

Piggybacking on our childcare series, we are focusing on the role early childhood education plays in training the next generation of workforce. In this episode we talk to two educators from Developmental Center of the Ozarks on a range of challenges from keeping the classrooms open to overcoming developmental delays brought on by the pandemic.

The challenges of finding safe, affordable childcare are intensified as a foster parent. In most cases foster parents have little notice when receiving infants and toddlers and finding a daycare provider for working foster parents is next to impossible . Listen in as we talk to one foster parent of an infant and how her family deals with childcare obstacles.

In this third installment of our childcare series, we talk to Cedric Smith who, along with his wife, are starting a daycare facility. Hear the challenges associated with starting this type of business and what motivates them to take on this project.

According to a Missouri Chamber study, Missouri's economy took a $1.4 billion hit last year due to the lack of childcare, preventing parents of young children from participating in the workforce. In this episode, host Sally Payne talks with Brian Fogle, CEO of Community Foundation of the Ozarks, on what's being done at the grassroots level to address this issue.

The lack of childcare providers is keeping parents out of the workforce in Missouri and nationwide. Robin Phillips, CEO of Childcare Aware of Missouri, sits down with Sally Payne and gives some sobering statistics on the state of childcare and how we might tackle this issue to get parents re-engaged in the workforce.

Mental illness doesn't just affect the person diagnosed, it has an impact on those around them. In this episode a mother shares her experience as caregiver to her 20-something son who suffers from mental illness. Take a listen to this powerful testimony of love and support in helping a young person find their way and working through a diagnosis. 

This second in a three part series on mental health focuses on how colleges and universities are emphasizing mental wellness for students as they prepare to graduate and enter their chosen career field. Sally visits with two administrators from Ozarks Technical Community College.