Conclusion

A seemingly utopian vision for a “community of opportunity” comes into focus when you spend time in spaces that integrate early childhood education, care, and work. The model’s benefits are seemingly limitless: It could empower and lift up child care workers who often go undervalued and underpaid; provide parents with reliable, quality care support and greater well-being; build relationships and mutual aid networks; and plant the seeds for even greater feelings of belonging and civic engagement.

Achieving fair and fulfilling work alongside quality, safe, and nurturing early childhood care in more connected neighborhoods is possible. It requires embracing work as integrated and distributed, and elevating and acknowledging child care as an uncompromising public good, built around loving, consistent care delivered collaboratively.

Blending workspaces with early childhood care and education is greater than the sum of its parts: Yes, it is convenient. But more importantly, it can free up space and time for stronger local relationships, foster social cohesion, and show the next generation what it looks like to have real autonomy and agency in how we work and live.

If you’re interested in exploring opportunities for child care and work co-locations in your area, or finding out more about how to support the development of a care–work network and pilot programs, please contact Georgia Norton.