Child Care Crisis: Funding Cuts and Affordability Struggles Threaten Access

Thousands of child care programs across the United States have lost federal funding, leaving millions of children and their families at risk of losing access to vital services. The funding, which had been in place for two years and provided stability to the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranged from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per month. Providers warn that without additional investment, many centers may be forced to close, particularly in rural communities serving low-income families. Families and providers are calling on Congress to create a permanent funding solution to prevent further disruptions in the child care system.