A New Opportunity For Employers

The 45F Tax Credit and Mission-Ready Families

Across Arkansas, childcare is becoming one of the biggest barriers to workforce stability.

When employees cannot secure reliable care, the impact shows up everywhere—missed shifts, reduced hours, and turnover. Supporting families is no longer separate from supporting business performance.

It is essential to building mission-ready families—families who are stable, supported, and able to fully engage in the work that keeps our communities and economy moving.

The Economic Reality in Arkansas

The data is clear.

Arkansas loses approximately $865 million each year due to childcare-related absences and turnover. An additional $200 million in tax revenue is lost because parents are unable to fully participate in the workforce.

Research from the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas reinforces this reality, showing that many working mothers struggle to find affordable, reliable childcare—limiting their ability to seek or maintain full-time employment.

Childcare is not just a family issue. It is a workforce and economic issue.

Addressing it represents an opportunity to unlock up to $1.1 billion in economic impact across the state.

What the 45F Expansion Means

Recent updates to the federal 45F tax credit make it easier for employers to invest in childcare solutions.

• Up to $500,000 in credits (40% of expenses)

• Up to $600,000 for small businesses (50% of expenses)

• Ability for employers to pool resources and participate together

This creates a more practical path for businesses of all sizes to support childcare—whether independently or through partnerships.

Why It Matters

When childcare works, the workforce works.

Employers see stronger retention, fewer disruptions, and more consistent performance. Communities benefit from increased workforce participation and economic stability.

Investing in childcare is an investment in mission-ready families—and in the long-term strength of your workforce.

A Clear Opportunity

The expansion of 45F creates a real opportunity for employers and community partners to act.

For employers, it offers a way to support your workforce while accessing meaningful financial incentives.For communities, it opens the door to collaborative solutions that serve families across industries.

At AlliancEdu, we are working to align childcare, workforce stability, and economic impact—because strong communities depend on all three.

Take the Next Step

If your organization is exploring how childcare solutions can strengthen your workforce, now is the time to engage.

Together, we can build systems that support mission-ready families and unlock the full potential of our workforce.