Child Care Advocates Demand Urgent Funding to Save Industry

Charlotte, North Carolina – Child care advocates rallied across North Carolina on Monday, calling for immediate financial support to prevent a potential collapse of the state’s child care industry. The movement, named “A Day Without Child Care,” encompassed protests in various cities, including Charlotte, where parents and child care workers pressed lawmakers to act swiftly.

At the heart of this movement is a request for the North Carolina General Assembly to authorize a $220 million subsidy reimbursement rate floor designed to provide essential funding for child care facilities statewide. In addition, advocates are seeking an extra $60 million aimed at assisting providers with the costs associated with caring for their own children. The urgency for these funds has been amplified by the recent expiration of federal relief funds that previously supported child care programs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the funding dries up, many child care providers are grappling with the serious consequences, including layoffs and class closures. Reports indicate that some centers have had to shut down entirely, leaving a growing void in child care access for families.

Throughout Monday’s demonstrations, participants shared personal stories highlighting the financial strain facing child care workers. One individual mentioned that while dedicated to the well-being of children, the current conditions hinder her capability to support her own family, marking a troubling paradox within the industry.

A notable display of solidarity occurred as at least 104 child care centers closed in support of the rally across the state. Advocates stress that the child care sector is not only vital for the families it serves but is also crucial for the overall workforce and economic stability in North Carolina.

In the legislature, the North Carolina Senate has approved its own budget proposal, while the House continues to make adjustments to its version. A final vote on the budget is expected soon, but the specific provisions for child care funding remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has launched a Child Care and Early Childhood Task Force aimed at developing long-term solutions to enhance the quality and affordability of child care, as well as retention of providers.

According to recent data from the N.C. Child Care Resources and Referral Council, nearly 30% of child care centers could close as early as next year without additional funding support. Worryingly, over half of those surveyed have already increased their fees, with almost 90% planning to implement further price hikes in the near future.

While Governor Roy Cooper announced a stopgap funding measure of $67.5 million to help stabilize struggling child care centers, many view this financial injection as inadequate given the scale of the crisis. The state has lost approximately 116 child care centers over the past year, and numerous providers are finding it challenging to offer competitive wages, often lacking health insurance or retirement benefits.

The financial burden associated with child care also extends into the broader economy. Estimates from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation suggest that issues related to child care, including employee turnover and missed workdays, cost North Carolina’s economy around $4.3 billion annually.

In the face of this looming crisis, employers are encouraged to adopt more flexible scheduling and improve child care benefits to support their employees. The future of child care funding in North Carolina remains uncertain, dependent on the ongoing budget negotiations and the priorities of state leaders.