Imagine a North Carolina where children miss out on fundamental skills and early learning opportunities. This bleak scenario is an impending reality if we do not address the child care crisis head-on. Without access to affordable child care, adequate wages for teachers, and sustainable funding for providers, the child care field will continue to lack stability. However, it is not too late to take action and avert this crisis!
On May 13th, dozens of child care centers across North Carolina joined centers nationwide and closed for a day to participate in National Day Without Child Care. This powerful statement was followed by events like Child Care for NC's Day of Action event held on May 16th, aimed at demonstrating to our elected representatives the urgent need for action. The mission of these events was to bring together teachers, providers, parents, and advocates to amplify their voices and demand solutions from our leaders. The unified stance was clear, with three primary goals:
Many held events such as Child Care for NC's Day of Action event held on May 16th, to show our elected representatives in the General Assembly what’s at stake if they don’t act soon. The mission was to bring together teachers, providers, parents, and advocates to use their voices and demand solutions from our leaders. The unified stance was made for three common goals...
Over 450 people signed up to attend the Day of Action. The event included a rally and small group visits with legislators. The initiative was organized by a coalition of partners under Child Care for NC: United for Change, illustrating broad support for this cause.
Children can only thrive, grow, and flourish when teachers and providers are supported. Without sustainable funding, teachers are left with low wages and few resources for professional development and growth, impacting the quality of early education. These consequences not only impact children, but reach beyond the classroom and are detrimental to everyone.
Child care advocates are urging North Carolina lawmakers for a one-time allocation of $300 million to extend pandemic-era stabilization grants beyond June. Without this crucial financial assistance and support, nearly 3 in 10 child care centers throughout the state of North Carolina say they'd be forced to close their doors.
A lack of child care not only impacts providers, teachers, and children; it also effects our economy. If centers are forced to close, parents are unable to work, creating a domino effect on productivity and economic stability. All children deserve to be given the skills and tools needed to learn, grow and succeed in life. Their future, and ours, depends on it.