I’m honored to serve on the team that advocated for quality, affordable childcare in Connecticut since 2021. I was elected as the Parent Ambassador for KITE, Enfield’s Early Childhood Collaborative, and worked alongside fellow parent ambassadors statewide, as well as Parent Cabinet members. Initially, we met via Zoom during the pandemic, and we had representation from all districts in Connecticut. We were tasked with coming up with one ask for legislators. We all unanimously agreed on: quality, affordable childcare.
Problem
As a collective, we realized that many parents face challenges in obtaining quality, affordable childcare so they can work.
Quality programs have the highest levels of accreditation, like NAYEAC and the preschool readiness programs. They also have educated teachers who have their associates in early childhood education, or are working towards obtaining a degree.
Not quality childcare centers have untrained and uneducated staff, that are less passionate about quality education. Oftentimes, the daycares and home providers do not have at least an associates in early childhood, proper training, and there’s a lot of turnover. They tend to be cheaper, or cost less for parents.
Parents recognize that children grow the most between birth and 6, and they want a safe place that can nurture their growth.
Programs with the highest accreditations, like a board approved preschool readiness program and NAEYC Accreditation, are often the most expensive. Unfortunately, there’s often a long waiting list for income-driven programs with a sliding scale or a lottery system. In Enfield, we have LEGO daycare, which is absolutely fabulous, and my son went there when the other daycare shut down during COVID, but it was also the most expensive, costing close to $300 a week for a part-time preschool child. My son’s ongoing daycare has a sliding scale, making it more accessible to parents and affordable. However, not everyone has this privilege.
In sum, the problem includes:
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Not Enough Quality Childcare
These providers often have a waitlist because they have NAYEAC accreditation, offer board approved preschool readiness programs, and have highly trained staff. Their teachers either have their associates in early childhood education or are working towards a degree.
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Not Enough Affordable Childcare
Quality childcare tends to cost more, unless there's a slide scale, and usually if that's the case, there is a waitlist.
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Hard Choices
Parents are having to make choices between working and paying for high childcare costs, or not working because it’s too expensive for childcare.
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Childcare Worries
If parents can't afford quality childcare, then they have to worry that their children are safe, being nurtured, and taken care of properly. However, they have to make that choice because that’s all they can afford.
