Childcare workforce shortage reaches crisis level

As lawmakers begin the daunting task of finalizing the state budget, remember one thing: For Delaware childcare providers and families seeking care for their children, these are incredibly tough times. 

Childcare enrollment is down across the state - nearly 40 percent down in our case. Beach Babies has endured, but the pandemic forced many childcare centers to severely limit their enrollment or close their doors entirely. 

That’s a daunting economic reality to start. But state underinvestments make our situation even harder. 

Delaware invests in a state subsidy called Purchase of Care that helps low-income families cover child care tuition. 

As any parent will tell you, childcare can be expensive, approximately 20 percent of the median family income per child. 

The problem is POC doesn’t come close to covering what it costs to care for a child. In fact, POC only pays at 65 percent of the 75th percentile of the true market rate, the figure that providers charge families for care. In order for Delaware to fully invest in our youngest learners, it must increase investments in POC to cover the cost of care rather than just a percentage of the market rate.  

This lack of investment hit like a double-whammy. It thrusts providers into a losing financial situation - and presents them with the heartbreaking predicament of questioning whether or not to accept POC children. In other words, low-income families - those who could benefit greatly from high-quality early care - are losing access. 

Without adequate funding, we can’t hire qualified staff. Our Townsend location is licensed for 188 kids, but our attendance sheet sees only about 95 kids every day, because we just don’t have the staff. 

Many of our employees never came back last March when the virus first made its world-altering appearance. As a result, early learning professionals are among the most underappreciated and underpaid positions around. 

Childcare providers statewide have waiting lists that are dozens long, multiple open positions, and have had to close multiple classrooms in most cases. 

In Kent and Sussex counties, especially in rural or low-income areas, childcare deserts are a reality. Today, providers can’t offer the Purchase of Care slots they have, which hurts low-income families. 

Providers and advocates are asking for $60 million from the Joint Finance Committee to avoid a major statewide crisis. This amount will allow us to stay open, sustain the essential industry, and serve all families, regardless of income. For this foundational investment, we have momentum on our side, and a newfound respect from a generation of parents and families.

 It took a pandemic to force people all over the world to realize just how vital a cornerstone early child education is to a functioning society. Without it, our youngest cannot develop the 90 percent of their brain function they acquire before age 4, and parents can’t go to work. 

Lawmakers: Make the right call. This is the time to make historic investments in childcare. 

Delaware’s families, economic health, and providers on the frontlines depend on it.