The Dual Role of Public Schools: Education and Childcare

Public schools are often seen primarily as centers for educational development, but their roles extend far beyond that, particularly when it comes to childcare. This article explores the substantial value that public schools provide in the form of childcare, and how this function impacts the broader economic and social landscape.

What Portion of the Value of Public Schools is Childcare

While public schools are cash cows for their educational offerings, a significant portion of their value lies in the childcare services they provide. Public schools keep a substantial number of children in their care during critical hours, thus allowing parents to continue their working responsibilities. This is especially true for many families in the UK, where schools often serve as a de facto childcare provider.

Misconceptions About Public Schools

One common misconception is that public schools operate primarily as educational institutions. However, the reality is that a considerable part of what they do involves childcare. This is evident in the fact that many schools question every absence and are paid for each day a child is present. This payment model highlights the dual role of public schools, where they provide a place of learning and a safe environment for young children.

The Economic and Social Impact of Public Schools as Childcare Providers

Public schools contribute significantly to the economy and society by providing childcare services. The estimate that about 1/4 of the value of education is childcare is substantial. If we consider that the annual cost of education to the economy is around 1 trillion dollars, this implies that the childcare aspect alone is worth 250 billion dollars. Moreover, this value increases by 750 billion dollars with the reduction in various negative outcomes such as crime, dependency, and premarital parenthood.

Productivity Gains from Education

The economic impact of public schools extends beyond mere childcare. The educational value added by schools is immense. For example, one-third of the workforce consists of primary caregivers. The GDP heavily depends on childcare, with two-thirds of it provided by schools. Therefore, if we consider that schools are worth at least 20% of GDP, it translates to at least 1 trillion dollars annually.

Furthermore, education significantly boosts the productivity of the workforce. Given that the lowest literate individuals have an average unemployment rate of 20%, whereas those who are highly literate have an average unemployment rate of only 2.3%, the impact of education on productivity is clear. A study shows that being highly literate makes a person about 10 times more desirable as an employee and 20% more productive. With only 16.5% of the American workforce being highly literate, an astonishing 85% could be significantly more productive with better education, contributing almost 3 trillion dollars in additional GDP.

Benefits for the Educated Electorate

The benefits of public schools extend to the broader social and political landscape. An educated electorate plays a crucial role in shaping a country’s future. While the proportion of highly educated individuals in the US is small (only 16.5%), the potential benefits are immense. An educated populace is better equipped to engage in rational discourse and make informed decisions, leading to more stable and prosperous societies. Currently, the US lacks an informed electorate, which can be seen in the misuse of facts and reasoning in political discourse.

Overall, the value of public schools as childcare providers is significant, contributing to economic growth and societal well-being. By understanding and valuing this dual role, policymakers and stakeholders can better appreciate the broader benefits of public education.