A report released by the National Women’s Law Center indicates that more parents have had difficulty finding child care for their children in recent months since federal pandemic assistance for child care providers expired. Between January and April, 22.2% of parents with children under 12 reported not having child care, compared to 17.7% between August and October. The reason for lack of child care varied from closures to affordability or safety concerns. This increase was particularly noticeable in states that did not offer significant additional funding for child care.
The Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacted the child care industry, leading Congress to provide $24 billion in stabilization grants under the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding helped the majority of licensed child care centers stay afloat by offering bonuses, increasing wages, covering operational costs, purchasing protective equipment, and providing mental health support. Unfortunately, this assistance expired on September 30, leading to predictions that over 70,000 child care programs could close, affecting approximately 3.2 million children.
In addition to the expired stabilization grants, $15 billion in supplemental child care discretionary funds for states are set to expire this September. However, some states like Alaska, California, and Illinois have invested in child care programs and providers by providing funds for grants, workforce support, and other initiatives. In these states, data shows a decrease in the number of women unable to work due to child care responsibilities, indicating a positive impact on parental employment and child care availability.
A survey conducted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children earlier this year found that in states that had invested in child care, early childhood educators reported less frequently needing to raise tuition or having longer waitlists. This suggests that state investments in child care programs can have a positive trickle-down effect on both parents and child care providers, resulting in better access to affordable and quality child care services.
The availability of child care has been a significant issue for many parents in recent months, highlighting the importance of continued support and funding for the child care industry. The expiration of federal assistance has led to challenges for both parents seeking child care and providers trying to maintain operations. State investments in child care programs have shown promising results in reducing barriers to child care access and supporting early childhood educators.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for policymakers to consider the impact of funding and support for child care on families, children, and the workforce. Continued investments in child care programs at both the federal and state levels can play a key role in ensuring that parents have access to quality child care, supporting workforce participation, and promoting the well-being of children and families. By addressing the current challenges facing the child care industry, policymakers can help mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic and create a more sustainable and equitable child care system for the future.
