As the child care landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, several new reports offer critical insights into the impact of relief funding and the urgent need for sustained investment. These studies highlight both the successes and challenges in keeping child care programs afloat during a time of unprecedented crisis. Below are summaries of three key reports, along with links for you to dive deeper into the findings.
1. Cliff Notes: Pandemic Relief Funding Teaches Lessons About Need for Sustained Child Care Investments
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) explores the effectiveness of pandemic relief funding for child care and the lessons learned from the temporary support. While relief dollars helped stabilize the industry, the report underscores the urgency for long-term, sustained investments to meet the growing demand for affordable, quality care. The findings make it clear: the cliff effect of expiring funds is creating challenges that could have long-term consequences without further intervention. Read the full report here.
2. Pandemic Child Care Relief Funds: Documenting Impact Across Four States
In this comprehensive report, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) documents how pandemic relief funds impacted child care providers and families in four states. Through case studies, the report reveals how these temporary funds helped stabilize an industry on the brink of collapse. However, with the funding now depleted, many states face a looming child care crisis. The report calls for policymakers to prioritize child care as a public good, ensuring it receives the necessary support to thrive post-pandemic. Explore the full report here.
3. The Child Care Funding Cliff: One Year In
This report from The Century Foundation (TCF) takes a detailed look at what has happened in the year since the end of federal child care relief funding. It paints a sobering picture of the challenges providers and families are now facing as they navigate an industry that is once again underfunded. The study provides valuable data on the real-world effects of the funding cliff and offers recommendations on how policymakers can address these ongoing issues with a focus on long-term sustainability. Read the full report here.
These reports offer a wealth of information on the state of child care funding and its future. As we continue to advocate for better systems, it’s clear that temporary fixes are not enough. Sustainable investments are needed to secure the future of child care for families and providers alike. Dive into these reports to learn more about the impact and what comes next.