Child Care Advocates Warn Of System Collapse At NC Legislative Advocacy Day

Child Care Advocates Warn of System Collapse at NC Legislative Advocacy Day

Editor’s Note: Katie Dukes contributed to the reporting of this article.

Several hundred educators, child care service owners and directors, parents, and advocates gathered at the General Assembly on Thursday to march and meet with legislators, urging them to double the funding for early childhood programs in the state.

As they circled the legislative building, advocates chanted, expressing their desire for more funding. Halfway through, the chant evolved to emphasize their belief that they deserve more support.

Jenna Nelson, the executive director of the NC Early Education Coalition and one of the event’s organizers, expressed hope that legislators would listen to their pleas as they made decisions about the budget. The organizers, part of the event called "Child Care for North Carolina: United for Change," are advocating for increased funding to improve teacher pay and benefits, make child care more accessible and affordable for families, and establish sustainable funding for providers.

Nelson noted that children aged birth through 5 currently receive less than 1% of the state budget despite the availability of funds. This 1% includes approximately $700 million allocated to Smart Start, a network of local partnerships focused on early childhood, NC Pre-K, the state’s public preschool for at-risk 4-year-olds, and the child care subsidy program, which assists eligible working parents with their child care costs.

While legislators have introduced bills aimed at enhancing funding for these programs, extending stabilization funding from the pandemic, and piloting new child care models, the House budget did not include many of these provisions. The coalition described the House proposal as disappointing.

The Senate will soon release its budget, which will then be reconciled with the House’s version. Once a spending plan is agreed upon by both chambers, it will be sent to Gov. Roy Cooper to sign or veto. Given the Republican supermajority, they have the necessary votes to override a veto.

One of the key priorities for advocates and members of the early childhood caucus this session is securing $300 million in compensation grants to help providers retain teachers as federal relief funds diminish throughout the year.

Representative Ashton Clemmons, a co-chair of the early childhood caucus and a Democrat from Guilford, expressed confidence that the budget would include investments in early childhood. Clemmons addressed the crowd on Halifax Mall, stating her belief that this budget season would mark the first steps toward continued investment in the growth and development of children.

Throughout the day, advocates emphasized the vulnerable state of child care programs and the sacrifices made by teachers and administrators in serving children and families. Bree Hewett, a teacher at Little Believer’s Academy in Garner and an NC Pre-K teacher, spoke about the low wages that compelled her to take on a second job. She expressed the underappreciation of teachers, especially in terms of funding.

Hewett expressed gratitude to Cassandra Brooks, the center director, for doing everything possible to support teachers and children. However, she acknowledged that their resources were limited, and they could only do so much.

Tiobhan, attending the event with her 2-year-old son August Addy, highlighted the financial burden that child care imposes on families. She explained that her family had spent $30,000 on child care in the past year, leaving them struggling to keep up with the expenses.

Chanelle Croxton, a member of the steering committee of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and another organizer of the event, emphasized the challenges faced by child care workers in terms of shortages and low wages. She also highlighted the lack of accessible child care for those in need, emphasizing that the current system is not working for anyone.

Lwiza Escobar Garcia, a mother of two young children, shared her family’s struggle with child care expenses, stating that they were drowning. She urged investment in early childhood, emphasizing the importance of families and children as the backbone and future of society.

The emotional toll that child care is taking on both my husband and me is truly disheartening. It should be something that benefits the public, yet it is causing us great distress. I feel like I am missing out on experiencing happiness with my own children.

During discussions on the importance of child care for the state’s workforce participation and economic well-being, Senator Jim Burgin, R-Harnett, noted that North Carolina is recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the country. He emphasized that in order to attract workers, there must be safe and affordable child care options available for everyone.

Several legislators expressed their support for increased funding for child care. Teachers and administrators from Partners in Learning, a child care center in Salisbury serving approximately 200 children, shared that they are encountering the same challenges at the local level. Norma Honeycutt, the executive director of the program, explained that the stabilization funds have provided temporary relief, allowing them to continue operating. However, she acknowledged that a one-time investment is not a long-term solution to the financial problems faced by child care providers. Urgent funds are required to address the immediate crisis.

Honeycutt stated that the child care system is on the brink of collapse, which would have severe consequences for the ability of parents to work. She proposed extending the funding until June 2025, giving child care advocates time to collaborate and devise a sustainable solution. Without intervention, the entire system is at risk.

When asked about the message policymakers should take away from the advocacy day, Heather Fidler, an educational director at the program, emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of the issue. Child care problems are not limited to a particular community or city; they are statewide and affect every center. Fidler stressed that it is crucial for policymakers to understand the magnitude of the crisis and take action accordingly.

This article was originally published on EducationNC and is shared here under a Creative Commons license.