Why Investing in Child Care Providers is Essential for Providers, Children, and Families

Author: Jessica Milli

Note: This report was originally published on May 9, 2022 by the Center for Law and Social Policy

Written with support from Center for Law and Social Policy, National Women’s Law Center, and The Century Foundation.

Child care is an essential service that parents rely on so they can work, attend school, or participate in training while knowing their children are well cared for in a stable and nurturing environment. For too long, child care has been out of reach for many families due to the lack of available care and the high price. This was exacerbated by the pandemic when child care programs closed—both temporarily and permanently. Compounding these challenges has been that fact that child care workers have been leaving the sector due to persistent low wages and lack of benefits. Public investment in child care is desperately needed in order to support living wages for child care workers and alleviate the current shortage of affordable and reliable child care options for families.