The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines will host a panel discussion about Iowa’s ongoing child care crisis from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the Science Center of Iowa.

With a shortage of more than 350,000 child care spots for children in Iowa, the lack of access to quality, affordable child care is not just a problem for parents, it has become a crisis for communities, the Community Foundation said in a news release. Despite the challenges, when investments are made in creative solutions, a more sustainable workforce is created, families are better positioned for financial security and children make strides in educational and social development to ensure they enter school equipped to thrive, the organization said.

Topics will include child care challenges, the impact on the workforce and on families, potential solutions and innovative ideas.

The panelists are:

• Deann Cook, president and CEO, Iowa Women’s Foundation
• Rob Burnett, vice president of science learning, Science Center of Iowa
• Dave Stone, advocacy officer, United Way of Central Iowa
• Ryan Page, director of child care, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Mu Da Paw, community resource navigator, Lutheran Services in Iowa

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The program will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an optional tour from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration information can be found here.