Child care affordability and accessibility have been longstanding issues for many families across the country. The Biden administration and Congress initially provided relief during the pandemic, but as funding winds down, states have taken matters into their own hands. New Mexico, for example, has made child care free for most families by using revenue from leasing state land to oil and gas companies. States like Washington have implemented new taxes to fund early childhood initiatives and provide low-cost or free child care. Even Republican lawmakers are recognizing the importance of supporting child care for the economy.
In New Mexico, Marisshia Sigala was able to return to work and pursue her real estate career after the state made child care free for families earning less than 400% of the federal poverty rate. This change has allowed Sigala, her husband, and their son Mateo to benefit from the subsidies and access quality child care at Koala Children’s Academy. The state’s investment in free child care is not only helping families but also supporting the educators and caregivers who work with young children, aiming to alleviate the effects of poverty.
Washington state is aiming to provide free preschool to low-income families and child care vouchers for low- and moderate-income families by the end of the decade. By implementing a new tax on profits from residents’ financial investments, the state is funding these expanded programs. Families like Zaneta Billyzone-Jatta, whose daughter Zakiah attends a state-supported child care center, are seeing the benefits of high-quality care with qualified teachers and therapists. However, the program supporting infants and toddlers is still small, serving fewer than 200 children statewide, and faces challenges with a looming referendum on the tax.
Kentucky has taken a unique approach to support child care workers and families by covering or reducing the cost of day care for parents in the industry. This program aims to address both the shortage of child care workers and provide affordable child care for all families. By incentivizing parents like Rylee Monn to stay in the child care industry and reduce their own child care costs, Kentucky is working towards a sustainable solution. Other states are considering similar policies based on Kentucky’s model, with positive outcomes for both workers and families.
Overall, the focus on solutions to the child care crisis is crucial for working parents and the economy. Providing affordable and accessible child care not only supports families in navigating work and child-rearing responsibilities but also boosts the early education and development of young children. As states implement innovative funding mechanisms and programs to support child care, there is a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education and care for overall societal well-being. The collaborative efforts of multiple newsrooms in reporting on this issue highlight the significance of addressing the child care crisis and working towards sustainable solutions for families across the country.
