‘What’s going to happen if there isn’t consistent child care?’
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As the short session moves along, child care providers and advocates have their eyes on June 30, the date that officially marks the end of stabilization grants for child care providers across the state.
Hundreds of educators, parents, and community members showed up on May 16 to raise awareness of exactly what that date will mean if legislators do not step in with funding to continue those grants.
Child care owners shut their doors and parents took off work to demonstrate the potential closures and workforce disruptions to come. Attendees rallied outside the state legislative building and met with legislators inside.
“It’s only one day,” said Megan Ryan, a parent of a toddler in Durham. “What’s going to happen if there isn’t consistent child care? What will that mean for my ability to keep my job?”
Advocacy is taking all shapes and forms this session. Outside of the statewide rally calling for $300 million, providers organized local “days without child care” earlier in the month in Durham and Charlotte. Smaller groups of advocates have planned meetings with targeted representatives. Local efforts like the one led by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce have raised awareness and funding.
The staff of Care-O-World Early Learning Centers, a regional child care program in eastern North Carolina, wrote an EdNC perspective on the need for sustained investment in child care.
“Child care is infrastructure — just as essential as bridges, schools, airports, and landfills,” they wrote. “Our jobs are just as important as college professors, doctors, and nurses; they work, because we work. We are tired of being poor.
Stabilize North Carolina child care. Not just for a year — forever.”
Katie and I have had a very busy season. We have attended conferences, spoken at events, spent days in classrooms, traveled to Washington, D.C., and recorded an episode of “Due South” on WUNC. I spent last Saturday night emceeing the 50th anniversary celebration for the Child Care Services Association. We are honored to be in these roles, sharing your stories, elevating your needs and solutions, and showcasing your passion.
Many of you are already making hard choices about your programs, your jobs, and your futures. You are on our minds. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are interested in sharing your story or have a question. Thank you for all you do.
Until next time,
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Legislative Updates
Check out this previous edition of Early Bird for information on early childhood this short legislative session.
Learn more from our early childhood legislative preview, our coverage of this month’s rally, our unpacking of Gov. Cooper’s budget proposal, and our breakdown of other education bills to follow.
Next, the House and Senate will each release a budget plan, and then work together to reach a compromise.
