As the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Lodging Group, Mississippi’s largest privately-owned hotel management company, I have seen firsthand how critical people are to the success of any organization. Our team is the backbone of our business—and when they thrive, so do we. That’s why access to affordable, reliable childcare isn’t just a family issue; it’s a business and economic issue. When employees know their children are in safe, nurturing environments, they are more focused, more present, and more productive at work. This leads to fewer absences, better performance, and stronger retention across the board.
Unfortunately, too many families in Mississippi face significant barriers to accessing the childcare they need. This not only disrupts family stability—it puts a strain on businesses and weakens our state’s economic potential.
As a proud member of ReadyNation Mississippi’s Early Childhood Investment Council, I join fellow business leaders in advocating for long-term, sustainable solutions that prepare children for success in school, work, and life. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by expanding access to early childhood education and care. When parents have access to dependable childcare, they can pursue employment, attend training, or further their education—all of which are essential to growing our workforce and boosting our economy.
The economic cost of inadequate childcare is staggering. According to ReadyNation, the U.S. loses an estimated $122 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue due to childcare challenges. In Mississippi alone, families with children under the age of three face an estimated $659 million in lost economic activity each year. That’s a cost our families, our businesses, and our state simply cannot afford.
But, this isn’t just about today’s economy—it’s about tomorrow’s as well. High-quality early learning programs have been proven to deliver lasting benefits. They reduce the need for costly interventions later in life, such as special education services, public assistance, and even involvement with the criminal justice system. These programs lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, achievement, and economic self-sufficiency.
Investing in early childhood is one of the smartest, most cost-effective decisions we can make as a state. It supports families now, while also preparing the next generation to be the skilled, innovative workforce Mississippi needs to compete in a global economy.
Supporting families and children is not just the right thing to do morally—it is an economic imperative. The data is clear, the benefits are wide-reaching, and the time to act is now.
I urge our policymakers to make early childhood education and care a top priority. By investing in smart, evidence-based policies that expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare, we can uplift thousands of families, strengthen our workforce, and secure a more prosperous, equitable future for all Mississippians.
Let’s not wait. The future of Mississippi depends on the investments we make today.
Sarah Ozbun is Chief Executive Officer of Delta Lodging Group based in Greenville.