Route Fifty, a digital news outlet that covers how local and state governments serve their communities, recently highlighted the growing crisis of child care deserts in rural America. Their reporting from Montana shows how a lack of licensed providers forces parents—especially mothers—out of the workforce, while children miss early learning and health supports. Although pandemic aid temporarily stabilized programs, its expiration has left providers struggling to balance wages, affordability, and access. This coverage resonates with Aspen CSG’s emphasis on community-driven solutions: without sustained investment in rural child care, small towns risk workforce shortages and population decline, underscoring the urgency of policies that build capacity where families live.
Child care gaps in rural America
