Today’s Crisis in Child Care
In today’s world, working parents depend on quality child care to both ensure children’s safety and to give kids the early education they need to succeed. But all too often, parents face difficult challenges in finding child care providers who meet their needs.
The lack of affordable quality child care creates a serious problem:
- Quality, affordable child care is essential – but families are struggling to find it.
- Experienced child care providers are invaluable – but they’re leaving the profession in droves.
- Early care and education makes a difference for kids in school and life – but children aren’t guaranteed the stability and quality they need.
Funding Doesn’t Meet the Need
Single mothers, parents of children with disabilities, and other low-income families count on child care assistance so they can work their way out of poverty. But the care of only 1 in 7 eligible children is covered by funding from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) through the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Since 2002, federal funding for child care has been virtually frozen.
A Shortfall of Providers Threatens Care
States have been forced to raise eligibility requirements, increase parent copays, institute waiting lists, and lower reimbursement rates for providers. Too many child care providers who want to nurture and teach children are forced away from the work.
Low reimbursement rates, few opportunities for training and advancement, and the lack of a voice in the policy decisions are causing sky-high turnover across the country. Kids aren’t getting the safe, consistent care they need to thrive.
SEIU's Response:
SEIU's Track Record on Child Care and Early Education:
Public Services Issues
Today’s Crisis in Child Care
All too often, parents face difficult challenges in finding child care providers who meet their needs. More »
