October 14, 2020


The current situation for child care is completely untenable for working parents and providers alike. As the election nears, it is becoming more and more clear just how vital this system will be for recovery and sustainability in the future.

Plenty of action from state lawmakers and researchers as those at the federal level are being called on to save child care. But deadlines are coming up for parents even as the pandemic is disproportionately affecting the careers of working moms.

NATIONAL NEWS  

Legislators’ View: Working Families Are in Crisis. As We Recover From COVID-19, We Must Rethink Child Care as an Economic and Public Good
The 74 | 10/13/20
The child care industry is in crisis — and that means every working parent is in crisis. Prior to the COVID pandemic, more than half of Americans already lived in a child care desert, where demand vastly exceeded supply.  

You’re so stressed you can’t sleep at night’: Parents and child-care providers are still struggling as the pandemic drags on
CNBC | 10/13/20
Among child-care providers, enrollment continues to be down 67% on average across the country, according to a July survey by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the latest data available. 

Why COVID-19 is disproportionately hurting working moms
Today | 10/13/20
More than 865,000 women dropped out of the workforce in September alone, deepening what’s being described as the nation’s first female recession. And a new survey of more than 700 working moms has found that nearly three out of four of them believe COVID-19 has stunted their careers.
IN THE STATES  

LOUISIANA
Letters: Lawmakers should pass stimulus package for child care providers
The Advocate | 10/13/20
While the media is finally highlighting the child care industry’s plight and policymakers are taking note of its importance, Congress has yet to pass a stimulus package with sufficient funding.  

MASSACHUSETTS
Report will explore impacts of child care crisis
WWLP | 10/13/20
iThe Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women plans to release a report Thursday that it says will look at issues “relating to the child care and education crisis brought on by COVID-19, and its impact on women and working parents in Massachusetts.”  

MINNESOTA
Calling Child Care Workers Heroes, Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan Announce $53.3M In Additional Aid During Pandemic
WCCO | 10/13/20
Minnesota’s Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have announced $53.3 million in additional funding to support child care providers and families’ access to child care during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline for Parents to Apply for “Extra Credit Grant” is October 15
Spectrum | 10/13/20
Time is running out for North Carolina parents to apply for a grant to help with child-care and virtual-learning expenses. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0 in September, which included the Extra Credit Grant program…  

NORTH DAKOTA
Letter: Please consider early childhood issues this election
Inforum | 10/13/20
Of all the issues getting attention during this election cycle, science tells us what must rise to the top – early childhood. The greatest opportunity to influence a child’s success begins early when our brains grow faster than any later point in life.  

WISCONSIN
Gov. Evers announces $50 million in funding for child care, education
Channel 3000 | 10/13/20
Gov. Tony Evers and the state Department of Children and Families Secretary Emilie Amundson have announced $50 million in funding toward an additional round of Child Care Counts payments.

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