Child care providers in Garden Grove, California are preparing to take part in the country’s third annual “Day Without Child Care,” where more than 1,000 providers plan to shut down facilities to raise awareness about the critical role of early learning professionals in the nation’s economy. Yessika Magdaleno, a child care provider with 23 years of experience, emphasized the need for more financial support to sustain their work.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of child care workers was recognized as they allowed essential employees to continue working by providing care for their children. However, the relief funding that sustained many child care centers during the pandemic has expired, leaving the sector struggling to stay afloat.
As a result of the funding cliff, many states have not been able to increase their child care allocations, leading to a rise in the percentage of families unable to access affordable child care services. The disparities and challenges faced by child care workers, particularly women of color, have been brought to the forefront through this campaign.
Statistics show that child care workers earn a median hourly wage of $14.60, which is significantly lower than other education professionals. Additionally, families are spending exorbitant amounts on child care, with some paying more than $36,000 annually – a cost that is often unaffordable for many households.
The broken child care system not only affects parents but also has broader economic implications, costing the nation billions of dollars due to lost productivity and earnings. Public funding for child care is inadequate, leading to a situation where families are forced to choose between work and affordable care for their children.
Amidst these challenges, child care workers like Marcy Whitebook in California are highlighting the urgency of addressing the systemic issues within the child care system. With the looming threat of the system collapsing, advocates are calling for sustained public investment and policy changes to ensure that child care remains accessible and affordable for all families.