As we reflect on the past few years, it’s clear that child care has been at the center of many challenges faced by families, providers, and communities across the nation. In a recent release, the National Women's Law Center (NWLC) and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) shared a report highlighting the impact of pandemic-era child care funding. This comes at a crucial time, as child care providers and advocates grapple with the impending expiration of these emergency funds.
The Impact of Pandemic-Era Funding
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it shook the very foundation of the child care system. For many, these emergency funds were a lifeline, helping providers keep their doors open despite rising costs and dwindling enrollment. NWLC and CLASP's report offers a deep dive into how these funds positively impacted both child care providers and the families they serve. The findings paint a clear picture: the funding helped stabilize an industry that was already fragile before the pandemic, enabling providers to maintain staff, support their operations, and continue delivering quality care to children.
Beyond just keeping the lights on, the funds allowed for investments in program improvements, health and safety measures, and support for the well-being of caregivers. These supports have been essential for families—particularly low-income families and women—who rely on child care to remain in the workforce and to maintain financial stability.
What Happens Next?
The report arrives at a critical moment. The pandemic-era funding is set to expire, and with it comes the risk of losing many of the gains achieved over the past few years. As we approach this funding deadline, it raises important questions about the future of child care. Will families face more challenges in accessing affordable, quality care? Will providers, who have barely made it through the pandemic, be forced to shut their doors for good?
NWLC and CLASP’s report urges policymakers to take action to sustain the progress made during the pandemic and to invest in long-term solutions for a child care system that meets the needs of all families. Without an additional $16 billion annually in emergency supplemental funding and support, the industry faces a potential cliff that could have lasting negative effects on children, families, and the economy as a whole.
Why This Matters
Child care is more than just a service; it is the backbone of our communities and economies. When we invest in child care, we invest in children’s futures, the well-being of families, and the strength of our workforce. The pandemic-era funding provided a glimpse of what is possible when child care receives the attention and resources it needs. Now, it’s up to us to keep pushing forward.
As we look to the future, it's clear that a stable and robust child care system is essential. The effects of the pandemic and the relief funding have shown how transformative support can be. We have an opportunity to advocate for a child care system that isn’t just surviving but thriving, one that supports families, strengthens our economy, and provides children with the nurturing environments they need to flourish.
Final Thoughts
The NWLC and CLASP report is a call to action. It reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to ensure a secure and equitable child care system. As the deadline for funding looms, the choices we make will shape the future of child care in this country.
Now is the time for policymakers, providers, and advocates to come together and demand the support and funding necessary to build a child care system that works for everyone. This is more than a policy issue; it's about our shared commitment to the well-being of children, families, and our communities.
To learn more about the NWLC and CLASP report, visit their press release. download the report.