The closure of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA's early learning center in Anacortes, Washington, has left many families, including Sarah Morgan's, searching for alternative child care arrangements. The closure comes as child care providers across the country face the expiration of a $24 billion federal Covid-19 support program that has helped them stay afloat during the pandemic. The YMCA made the decision to close the Anacortes center, which served 21 families, in order to focus its resources on its remaining centers. This has left families like the Morgans struggling to find suitable options for their children.
Nationwide, over 70,000 child care programs are projected to close, potentially displacing 3.2 million children, due to the end of the federal child care stabilization grant program on September 30. The program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, provided much-needed support to child care programs, allowing them to cover expenses such as staff wages, rent, and supplies, and provide mental health support. It also helped address staffing shortages by offering higher wages.
Child care in America has long been plagued by issues of affordability and availability. The average annual price for child care was nearly $11,000 last year, making it unaffordable for many families. Additionally, low wages in the industry make it difficult to attract and retain workers, exacerbating the problem. The closure of child care centers and the loss of federal funding further compound these challenges.
Child care providers like Carla Smith, who runs Cornerstone Academy in Texas, relied on stabilization grants to keep their centers open and support their staff. Without additional federal funding, many providers fear they may have to close their doors or make significant cuts. Some are already struggling to find and retain staff due to low wages.
Efforts are being made to extend federal assistance for child care beyond September 30. The Child Care Stabilization Act, introduced by Democratic and independent lawmakers, aims to provide $16 billion annually for the next five years. A bipartisan bill in the House seeks to enhance existing tax credits to make child care more affordable for families and support employers in sharing the cost.
However, securing additional funding through Congress may prove challenging, as some lawmakers are pushing for spending cuts. Child care providers, like Vanessa Quarles in Indiana, hope that Congress will renew its support for the industry, as they struggle to find workers willing to accept the low pay offered.
Some states have taken their own steps to invest in child care, but more needs to be done to ensure the sustainability of providers. Reimbursement rates need to reflect the true cost of care, rather than what parents can afford, in order to support providers in offering quality services.
The closure of child care centers and the potential loss of millions of spots for children highlight the urgent need for continued federal support. Child care is not only essential for working parents, but it also plays a crucial role in the development and education of young children. Without adequate funding and resources, the child care industry will continue to face significant challenges in meeting the needs of families across the country.