When it comes to child care, the numbers just don't seem to add up: parents struggle to pay increasing child care tuition costs, child care workers often earn less than a living wage, and child care center owners often can't even afford to pay themselves.
North Carolina's child care industry will face another challenge at the end of June -- that's when federal funds intended to stabilize the industry during the pandemic are set to run out. Some experts anticipate that if the funding support goes away large numbers of centers will close, tens of thousands of child care slots could be lost, and the vast majority of centers that stay open will be forced to raise their tuition fees. Many advocates, early childhood educators, and parents are at a rally today demanding the state legislature allocate funding to help.
Today on Due South, a range of voices and perspectives, including an interview with two members of the state legislature, to explore the anticipated impact of the "funding cliff" and how to address the struggling child care system in the short term and for the long haul.
Guests
Danielle Caldwell, advocate and former child care center owner
Dee Dee Fields, Director, Landeeingdam Daycare
Katie Dukes, Policy Analyst, EdNC
Liz Bell, Early Childhood Reporter, EdNC
Joy Spencer, parent
Emma Biggs, Director, Pathway Preschool Center in Charlotte
Rep. David Willis, Republican state representative from Union County, member of the legislative childcare caucus
Rep. Ashton Clemmons, Democratic state representative from Guilford County, member of the legislative childcare caucus
