The recent expiration of federal pandemic assistance for child care providers has led to more parents struggling to find child care for their children, according to a report released by the National Women’s Law Center. 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. This increase was more prominent in states that did not provide significant additional funding for child care.
The child care industry was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading Congress to allocate $24 billion in stabilization grants as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. This funding helped the majority of licensed child care centers by allowing them to retain workers, cover expenses, and provide necessary supplies and support. However, this funding expired on September 30, causing concerns about the closure of thousands of child care programs and millions of children losing their spots.
In an effort to address the ongoing challenges in the child care industry, some states, including Alaska, California, Illinois, and Washington, have invested in child care programs and providers. These states are offering funds for child care provider grants, workforce support programs, and other initiatives directly impacting child care providers. As a result, there has been a decrease in the number of women unable to work because they are caring for children not in school or child care in these states.
Another $15 billion in supplemental child care discretionary funds for states is set to expire in September. It is crucial for states to continue investing in child care programs and providers to ensure that families have access to reliable and affordable child care options. A survey by the National Association for the Education of Young Children found that early childhood educators in states that invested in child care reported less often having to raise tuition or having longer waitlists.
The expiration of federal pandemic assistance has created challenges for parents in finding child care for their children, particularly in states that did not provide additional funding for child care. The closure of thousands of child care programs and the loss of spots for millions of children have raised concerns about the long-term impact on families and the child care industry. It is essential for states to continue investing in child care programs and providers to ensure that families have access to high-quality and affordable child care options.
Supporting child care providers and investing in child care programs is crucial for the economic recovery and well-being of families. States that have allocated funds for child care provider grants and workforce support programs have seen positive outcomes, including a decrease in the number of women unable to work due to child care responsibilities. As the expiration of additional funding approaches, it is important for states to prioritize child care funding to address the ongoing challenges facing families and child care providers.
