Rallying for Change: Families and Child Care Workers Unite in Raleigh
In a pivotal moment for families and child care professionals alike, Triangle child care providers and their supporters are poised to make a bold statement as part of the national "Day Without Child Care" movement this Monday. Some facilities will close their doors, call out sick, or wrap up early, all to draw attention to the urgent need for reform in the child care system.
The Rally: A Call to Action
Families and child care advocates will gather at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh starting at 10 a.m. This rally serves not just as a demonstration but as a catalyst for change, highlighting the critical need for substantial investments in child care infrastructure. A simultaneous event is also taking place in Charlotte.
Why a Day Without Child Care?
Organizers believe that taking one day off from providing child care can send a powerful message. “If we close for one day, it ensures that we can have longevity and a sustainable system well into the future,” emphasizes Stephanie Smith from the National Domestic Workers Alliance. The sentiment is clear: ignoring these systemic issues won’t lead to solutions; it only perpetuates the cycle of stress for families and providers.
Understanding the Stakes
Recognized for four years now, the "Day Without Child Care" shines a light on pressing issues such as:
- Equitable policies that need to be established
- Fair reimbursement rates that reflect the actual cost of caregiving
- Supporting the dedicated individuals who make up the child care workforce
In North Carolina alone, approximately 104 child care programs are participating in this action, encompassing 66 family child care homes and 38 centers across cities like Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and Durham.
State Initiatives: A Short-Lived Solution?
In a bid to confront what has become a child care crisis, Governor Josh Stein announced in March a new task force aimed at tackling these crucial challenges. This initiative seeks to explore viable solutions for expanding access to affordable, quality child care.
The statistics are staggering; as reported by Governor Stein, families in North Carolina pay an average of $12,000 for infant care—more than the tuition at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Yet, according to the state, child care should ideally cost no more than 7% of a family’s income, an unrealistic expectation for 4 out of 5 families who find themselves overburdened by costs.
The Accessibility Crisis
The crisis is not just about financial strain. For families, accessibility poses a daunting challenge. In North Carolina, there is only one child care slot for every five families in need of care. Many families begin to join waitlists before their newborns even arrive, reflecting the desperation to secure reliable care.
Valuing Child Care Workers
Despite the high costs for families, the professionals providing child care are often severely underpaid. The average hourly wage for child care workers in North Carolina stands at only $10.73—a stark contrast to the value they bring to society.
Bold Policy Proposals
Among the policy demands fueling this rally is a $60 million pilot program designed to provide child care access for enthusiasts and providers’ own children. This initiative aims to not only ease financial burdens but also prioritize the needs of the workers making a difference.
Conclusion: A Collective Voice for Change
The "Day Without Child Care" is about more than just a single day; it represents a collective voice crying out for sustainable change in the child care sector. As families and workers unite to advocate for reforms, they embody the urgency and desperation felt across a nation grappling with child care challenges. It’s time for policymakers to listen and act before it’s too late.
For more about child care reforms and statistics, visit Child Care Aware and learn how you can support the movement.
