Child Care in the News

Welcome to week two of our new series where we'll round up the most important news and developments in child care each week. Whether you’re a parent, child care professional, educator, child care provider, or advocate, staying informed on the latest trends and policies is essential to ensuring our children have the care and support they need. Check back every Monday morning for fresh insights and key stories impacting child care across the U.S. and beyond.

The child care sector is facing an urgent crisis, as pandemic-era funding is set to expire, leaving many families and child care providers uncertain about the future. Recent reports and articles highlight the significant impact of the upcoming funding gap, the increasing costs of child care, and the broader societal implications.

Here's a roundup of the latest news in child care:

1. New Report on Pandemic-Era Funding Shows 'Childcare Crisis Is a Policy Choice'

   According to an analysis by the National Women's Law Center (NWLC) and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), the federal child care funding provided during the pandemic offered "significant benefits" to families and early childhood educators. However, with the last of this funding set to expire at the end of September, the report urges the federal government to take control of the crisis through robust investment. The funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 included $24 billion in child care stabilization grants and $15 billion in supplemental money for the existing Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). The expiration of these funds may worsen the existing child care crisis, impacting families and providers nationwide. Read more: Common Dreams

   
   

2. For Some Parents, Surging Child-Care Costs Could Determine How They Vote

   The rising costs of child care have become a critical issue for many parents, influencing their political decisions. This article discusses how child care costs are not just a financial strain but also a political concern, with many families now looking for policy solutions. The way parents experience and manage child care costs may play a significant role in upcoming elections, as candidates and policymakers address this issue. Read more: Washington Post

   
   

3. Child Care Costs More Than Rent in These 16 U.S. Cities

   A recent report highlights that child care expenses now exceed the cost of rent in 16 major cities across the United States. This troubling trend illustrates how unaffordable child care is becoming, adding pressure to families already facing high costs of living. The report underscores the need for structural changes in child care funding to relieve the burden on families. Read more: USA Today

   
   

4. Child Care Didn't Quite Fall Off a Cliff...Yet

   This Axios article provides an update on the state of the child care sector as federal pandemic relief funding comes to an end. While the sector has not "fallen off a cliff" just yet, concerns remain high as to what happens next. Without renewed investment, many child care providers may face closures, reducing the already limited availability of affordable, quality child care. Read more: Axios

   
   

5. More than 100 NC Child Care Centers Have Closed in Past Year, Highlighting Ongoing Funding Crisis

   In North Carolina alone, over 100 child care centers have closed in the past year, shining a spotlight on the ongoing funding crisis. This situation mirrors a national trend, emphasizing the critical need for sustained financial support for child care providers. Without proper investment, families will continue to struggle with limited access to quality care. Read more: WRAL

   
   

6. Child Care on College Campuses: What to Know

   For parents pursuing higher education, access to affordable and reliable child care is a major concern. This article dives into child care options on college campuses, discussing the importance of on-campus child care centers in supporting student parents. These centers provide much-needed support, but many are now facing funding and resource challenges. Read more: U.S. News - Best Colleges

The expiration of pandemic-era funding, rising costs, and limited access are driving the child care crisis to a critical point. Stay informed with our weekly updates as we continue to explore the challenges and potential solutions for child care in the U.S.