Initiatives
The childcare working group brings together a diverse coalition of childcare service providers, early childhood education experts, community advocates, elected officials, economic development professionals, industry representatives and other key stakeholders.
Together, they aim to address the complex challenges surrounding access to affordable and high-quality childcare in the region. The group’s primary goal is to identify strategic opportunities for RISE to make a meaningful and sustainable impact on childcare availability.
By fostering collaboration across sectors, the group seeks to reduce childcare as a barrier to employment, strengthen the regional workforce, and support working families. Ultimately, their efforts are intended to create a more inclusive, equitable and economically resilient community where all parents have access to reliable childcare options that enable them to fully participate in the workforce.
On Oct. 14, 2025 RISE unveiled the results of a comprehensive study examining the demand and marketplace for childcare services for the eight counties. The report was prepared by Georgia Southern University’s (GSU) Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research and EDA University Center Program, with funding from Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities grant program.
If you would like to get involved in the childcare initiative, please contact:
Justin Farquhar
Vice President
jfraquhar@risesavannah.com
912.447.9714
