b'OPERATIONSPIT 49PHOTO: ACAAAuthority Chief Executive Officer ChristinaInnovative MoveCassotis and Lisa Naylor, the Authoritys chiefEliminating obstacles to employment and increasing workforce human capital officer. Cassotis and Naylordiversity drove the ambitious daycare project. We focus on going began spearheading the daycare project infurther for all, Cassotis explains. We think about what we can do 2017 as part of a three-pronged initiative tofor the airport community and for the region and for the industry. retain existing employees and attract newIn this case, we know one of the best ways to have our workforce talent to PIT. The other two components arebetter represent the community that we serve is to break down transportation and job training. Programs toCHRISTINA CASSOTIS barriers to entry into this workforce. address all three issues are well underway as construction continues on a new $1.4 billionChildcare costs are a daunting challenge for millions of landside terminal slated for completion inAmericans nationwide. The U.S. Department of Labor indicates 2025.that the annual price for center-based childcare for one child can be as much as $17,171, depending on the region and a While PIT is one of the first U.S. airportsyoungsters age. Median costs are 19.3% of family income with an onsite childcare center, others havenationwide and 14.3% in Allegheny County, PA, where PIT is similar projects in the works or are developinglocated. Furthermore, many childcare workers left the industry their own ways to help employees findLISA NAYLOR during the pandemic, putting additional pressure on working childcare. (See Page 52 for more information.)parents and providers.La Petite Academy at PIT has capacity for 61 children, agesAt PIT, the Airport Authority is helping defray costs for 6 weeks to 5 years. Airport employees receive top preferenceemployees by covering the administrative costs of the new on-site for enrollment, but slots are also available for children of airlinechildcare center. Officials decline to disclose the specific financial personnel, TSA employees, concessionaire staff and others whoarrangement; but Cassotis notes that PIT employees end up work at (but not for) the airportincluding 500 or so constructionpaying about 10% less than prevailing local prices. workers building PITs new terminal. Enrollment is not open to the general public.AirportImprovement.comNovember | December 2023'