Washington, D.C. – Last week, Community Change hosted a virtual town hall with White House officials to talk about the challenges providers are facing amidst our childcare crisis, the solutions they believe can repair our broken childcare industry, and the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing work to use every lever of government to strengthen the system and keep it afloat.
Joining the virtual call were 11 Community Change Childcare Changemakers, ChangeWire fellows and Creators, three of whom shared their stories and asked questions of Mario Cardona, Senior Advisor for Early Childhood Development and Education on the White House Domestic Policy Council. Advisor Cardona also shed light on childcare initiatives undertaken by the Biden-Harris Administration since entering office, and how they will prioritize high quality early care and education moving forward.
“For many people in my community, I am their only option for child care because they work untraditional hours or they live in a childcare desert and I am the only provider for miles,” said Community Change Childcare Changemaker, BriTanya Brown. “It’s hard for them to find care so they can stay in the workforce, and they and I need support to ensure care is available and accessible to everyone who needs it in my town and beyond.”
“It is crucial that providers have a seat at the table when decisions are made regarding childcare policies and funding. After all, we are the ones who spend countless hours nurturing and educating the future generations of this country,” said Khulood Jamil, a Community Change Childcare Changemaker from the Bay Area with almost thirty years of caregiving experience. “By amplifying our voices and sharing our experiences, we can drive positive change and ensure that every child has access to high-quality care.”
“I want to continue to teach young children, and I deserve to do that while living a comfortable dignified life,” said Sarah Kazell, a Community Change Childcare Changemaker from Wisconsin who specializes in care for children with disabilities. “I want to see my fellow teachers acknowledged and paid as professionals who provide an essential public service to their communities. And I want child care to be available to all families, not just affluent ones.”
This meeting comes as Community Change/Action prepares to host its third National Day Without Child Care. On May 13, hundreds of providers, with the support of the families they serve, will close their doors, call out sick, or participate in over 60+ events taking place across 24 states and D.C. This nationwide day of action is designed to illustrate how our country will be impacted if we don’t address our childcare crisis and providers are forced to close their doors for good. Community Change will host a press conference on May 8, 2024 at 1ET/10PT to spotlight providers and parents participating in Day Without Childcare and preview large events happening nationwide. RSVP here.
Community Change continues to advocate at every level of government for a 21st-century childcare system and to work with communities to find permanent solutions that will allow parents, children, and care providers to thrive.
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