Survey Seeks Employer Input on Child Care Needs of Workers
Posted on July 14, 2026Johnstown, PA (July 14, 2026) – A recent survey by the Cambria Regional Chamber identified child care as a top issue of area businesses. Affordability and a lack of availability of care for employees with young children were two concerns they reported that impact their workforce.
More than 9,000 children ages 5 and under live in Cambria and Somerset counties. About 70 percent of them have all available parents in the workforce, according to the American Community Survey. That means about 6,000 local children need some form of care while their parents are on the job.
“Unfortunately, Cambria County lost about a third of its child care availability since the pandemic. Somerset County fared a bit better, but still lost 42 child care slots,” said Dr. Leah Spangler, President and CEO of The Learning Lamp, a nonprofit early childhood provider based in the region. “Child care makes going to work possible for families with young children. A healthy child care ecosystem is the foundation for our region’s economy,” she added.
The first step in better supporting area employers is determining their child care needs. Creative Child Care Solutions, a part of the Pennsylvania Key, a partner with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, developed a survey for area employers to gather this data. With support from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the survey data will help identify the child care needs of businesses and families.
The survey is available now. It can be accessed through the following survey link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SouthernAllegheniesEmployerChildCareNeeds or corresponding QR code seen here.
Employers of all sizes in Cambria and Somerset counties are asked to complete the survey by July 31, 2026. The results will be shared with the community and help shape strategy on meeting child care needs in the future.
For more information, contact Leah Spangler at lspangler@thelearninglamp.org or 814.262.0732 x223.