The Power of Regional Indicators in Achieving Action: The Southern Regional Initiative on Child Care

Abstract

This chapter describes the impact of regional indicators through presentation of a case study that demonstrates how effective use of regional data can be a powerful strategy to achieve action on behalf of children and families. The Southern Institute on Children and Families envisioned and led the project. The Southern Institute has a record of effectively using regional data to raise awareness, build public/private sector action partnerships, and motivate public policymakers and administrators to improve the way government benefit programs are set forth in policy and implemented in reality. The case study presented in this chapter is a multistate approach utilizing regional indicators to improve access to high quality, affordable early care and education for lower-income children and families in the South. The case study describes a policy-level collaboration initiative to examine early care and education policies and systems in the southern region of the United States. It provides information on the creation and implementation of the Southern Regional Initiative on Child Care, specifically the work of the Southern Regional Task Force on Child Care. The case study illustrates the far-reaching impact of regional indicators in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan of action. Ultimately, the material presented here supports the concept that regional indicators can serve as a catalyst for improving conditions for children and families. The Southern Regional Initiative on Child Care evolved from pioneering research by the Southern Institute that identified the barriers families face when attempting to apply for and retain child care financial assistance in the southern states. The Southern Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization founded in 1990 to improve the well-being of children and families through knowledge, leadership, and action. The Southern Institute educates through research of policies, systems, and practices; generates greater awareness among community and business leaders and policymakers; and equips them with knowledge to make informed decisions. The geographic focus of the Southern Institute is 17 southern states and the District of Columbia where child well-being indicators present a compelling case for public and private sector action. It also administers national programs that are consistent with its mission. The programs directed by the Southern Institute are the following1: