Understanding Childcare as a Workforce Issue

With more than 50 companies employing more than 10,000 people in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing jobs, the Port of Little Rock depends on employees who can show up for hands-on, in-person work. But Port leaders recognized that childcare challenges may be affecting employees’ ability to work the schedules required by local employers.

To better understand the issue, the Port partnered with Excel by Eight on a mixed-methods workforce assessment conducted between September 2025 and March 2026. The assessment included data walks, employee surveys, and focus groups with participating employees of Port and Port-adjacent employers.

The findings showed that childcare strain is already affecting the workforce. Nearly a third of employees reported missing work, arriving late, or leaving early often or very often because of childcare challenges. More than 40% said available childcare hours did not align with their work schedules, and more than half reported reducing hours or turning down shifts, projects, or promotions.

For executive director Bryan Day, the issue is directly tied to the Port’s role as an economic driver.

“Childcare is not just a personal issue for families; it is a business and economic development issue that directly impacts manufacturers’ bottom lines,” Day said.

While a specific solution has not yet been implemented, the assessment gives the Port and nearby employers a clearer starting point for working with community partners to explore options that increase childcare supply, support employees, and strengthen the regional workforce.