November 16, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has brought to light what so many already knew to be true: child care is essential. Women are leaving the workforce in droves due to the shortage. Meanwhile advocates and lawmakers in the states are responding due to a lack of federal support for the industry.
The 2020 election is bringing several changes to early learning and care as the incoming Biden administration is expected to invest heavily in pre-k. While some states like Oregon are carving their own paths to reform.
| NATIONAL NEWS Why the child care industry was more prepared for COVID-19 than others Deseret News | 11/13/20 Long before the pandemic began, child care providers operated under policies designed to keep children safe and reduce illness spread — and, as a result, they’ve had to make fewer changes than many families, businesses and even schools… Jill’s husband sends a signal: Public education a priority EdNC | 11/13/20 At a cost of $775 billion over 10 years, according to the Biden platform, the nation could provide family supports and pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds. His “universal pre-K” proposal came packaged with assistance for caregivers… Parents can’t afford day care and preschool: Oregon voters are giving it to kids for free USA Today | 11/14/20 While universal preschool can be found in a handful of other communities across the country, including Washington, D.C., and New York City, proponents of the Portland measure tout its uniqueness. Saving Childcare: The Essential Value of a Worker-Owned Childcare Ecosystem Non-Profit Quarterly | 11/13/20 Coupled with persistent low wages, a lack of professional development opportunities for caregivers, and significant racial gaps in wages, these challenges have contributed to a reality in which less than 10 percent of the country’s early care and education programs are considered high quality. Why The Pandemic Is Forcing So Many Women To Leave Their Jobs NPR | 11/13/20 Why is the pandemic forcing so many women to leave their jobs? – and what these losses look like across the country. So we’ve called upon three women, each with a unique perspective on all of this. |
| IN THE STATES FLORIDA Guest opinion: Investing in high-quality early education will pay dividends News-Press | 11/14/20 The impact of early childhood education can be especially strong for disadvantaged children — kids who might otherwise have additional challenges to face in the school years ahead. IOWA America’s child care industry is essential for recovery The Gazette | 11/13/20 After a long, hard-fought election, it’s time to look ahead to the next four years. There is no time to lose — America’s child care industry must be prioritized to jump-start our recovery from COVID-19. Millions of parents can’t return to work… MASSACHUSETTS Baker Announces Funds for Early Education Programs CapeCod.com | 11/14/20 Governor Charlie Baker and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation recently announced $6.5 million in Early Education and Out-of-School Time grant funding. MICHIGAN COVID-19 drives new initiative to support affordable child care Ludington Daily News | 11/15/20 Advocates hope that a pilot program to split child care costs among businesses, government and families in West Michigan will lead to a similar program statewide. MISSOURI Parents as Teachers continues support to families and kids, offers enrollment Fulton Sun | 11/16/20 Founded in 1984 in Missouri, Parents as Teachers focuses on helping parents “embrace their role as their child’s first and best teacher,” according to the Parents as Teachers website. UTAH Early Child Care And Education Advances With Sorenson Impact Center KPCW | 11/13/20 KPCW’s coverage of Early Childhood Education continues with a spotlight on the Sorenson Impact Center at the University of Utah. They use data and science to show that investment in the early years of a child’s life delivers socio-economic benefits for the families and community through the lifetime of the child. |
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