October 8, 2020
The pandemic has clearly caused a shortage of available child care, making it even more unaffordable than before. This has created a major problem for working parents.
Early learning continues to be important as states look at improving access to existing programs and providing funding for providers who need new resources to adapt to a new learning environment, especially as federal funds slow to a halt.
Quality early childhood education can mitigate mental health issues down the line and improve academic skills like reading.
| NATIONAL NEWS The Costs of Post-Pandemic Childcare Leave Parents in a Crunch Time | 10/8/20 As cities move to lessen pandemic-related restrictions and caretakers go back to work, childcare spending is top of mind for parents – especially the 12 million who have children under age 5 in the country today. |
| IN THE STATES CALIFORNIA First 5 Orange County analysis reveals shortage of childcare options for working families Daily Pilot | 10/7/20 Many of Orange County’s working families face extraordinary difficulties securing childcare, particularly for infants and toddlers, as few licensed spots exist and waiting lists for full-day care options grow longer by the day. FLORIDA Early childhood is important for literacy Gainesville Sun | 10/8/20 Psychologists indicate that between birth and the age of 3, children develop at a faster rate than at any other point in life. Introducing children to reading at an early age… becomes beneficial & will foster their ability to grasp concepts quickly while growing up. ILLINOIS Crowe urges childcare providers to apply for state grants Advantage News | 10/7/20 To offer support for working parents, state Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging childcare providers who have faced pandemic-related financial struggles to apply for the next round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. IOWA With odd hours and limited spots, who really has access to Iowa’s universal preschool program? The Gazette | 10/8/20 Although Iowa’s free, universal preschool program for four-year olds and five-year-olds would have eased the family’s financial burden, the program never seemed accessible to Tapya Salem. MONTANA Report: Lack of child care in Montana impacts families, businesses, economy Bozeman Daily Chronicle | 10/8/20 The report, conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research in Missoula and sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, found that 57% of Montana families with kids under the age of 6 have struggled to find… child care. NEW YORK Child care centers in NY and North Country face closures with no stimulus aid in sight North Country Public Radio | 10/8/20 State agencies and child care advocates are warning that the state’s child care system is on the verge of collapse, with centers financially stressed, and parents struggling to find or afford care. NORTH CAROLINA Preparing Pre-K classrooms for remote instruction could cost millions WCNC | 10/7/20 Estimates predicted the cost would be just under $100,000 per classroom. The step price tag would include supplies, materials, curriculum, plus salaries for additional educators. UTAH New Study Shows the Importance of Early Childhood Mental Health KPCW | 10/8/20 Between 10-20% of all Utahn children could face mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral challenges, according to Samantha Ball, a senior research associate at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. |
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