Luverne, MN (KSFY) Unemployment reached a 20 year low in the U.S. last month, which means many employers and communities are actively searching for people to fill open positions.

Quality of life plays a big role in where people choose to live and work, but several communities in southwest Minnesota are struggling with daycare, a major quality of life issue.

Childcare is a top concern for many families, but over the last few years several rural counties in southwest Minnesota have seen a steep decline in daycare providers, creating a big shortage for working families.

“It was a six to eight month process to get him daycare, but we finally landed him a spot here about three weeks before he was born,” Pipestone Dad Monte Hickman said.

Baby Kash is one of the eight lucky infants to get a spot at Kids N’ Kare, the only daycare center in Pipestone and Rock counties.

“Our infant room definitely has a waiting list, I’ve had to turn quite a few people away,” Kids N’ Kare daycare director, Sandi Nordmeyer said.

“I’ve heard from women who have to travel more than 50 miles for daycare,” U.S. Senator from Minnesota Tina Smith said.