Child Care

Increase access to quality, affordable childcare and early education programs

Child care and early learning programs are essential for working women and for our nation’s economic future. Unfortunately, systemic barriers have disproportionately impacted marginalized and non-traditional communities, leaving many without access to quality, affordable care. Without additional federal investments that include robust support to hire and retain the child care and early childhood education workforce, families will be left without option and our economy will be in peril. A sustainable childcare infrastructure is pivotal to meeting the needs of all women, families and child care providers.

Guided by the on-the-ground experience and voices of providers, we urge elected officials to:

• Stabilize and build the childcare workforce by increasing access to living wages and skills-based training for child care providers and educators

• Invest in the long-term stabilization of the child care sector to ensure accessible, quality, affordable childcare and early education programs

• Address the mental, behavioral, and emotional health needs of providers and children

• Ensure healthy, equitable, and supportive workplaces for teachers, staff, and the children in their care