Consider This from NPR

What To Do About America's Child Care Crisis

Feb 26, 2022

Elliot Haspel, author of Crawling Behind: America's Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It, shares insight into the broken child care system in the U.S. He explains how the pandemic exacerbated long-standing issues, driving many daycare providers to their limits. Haspel highlights the financial strain on families and advocates for child care to be viewed as a vital public service. He also discusses the need for businesses to engage in this crisis, framing child care as a shared responsibility essential for economic stability and workforce participation.

14:56

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Elliot Haspel

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Navigating the Child Care Crisis: Challenges and Realities

4min

Challenges of the American Child Care System

5min

The Economic Imperative of Child Care and Its Impact on Families

2min

The Intersection of Child Care and Business Responsibility

4min

America's child care system is in crisis. Experts say it's a failed business model. Parents can't afford it, and yet, daycare providers are some of the lowest paid workers in the country. The problem is an old one - but there's new energy in the debate over solutions. In part, because of the proposed funding for childcare outlined in President Biden's signature Build Back Better legislation, currently facing roadblocks. But also because the pandemic highlighted how broken the system is.

Brenda Hawkins operates a small home-based daycare in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She's been taking care of kids for 24 years, but the pandemic brought new uncertainty and stress. She was able to keep her doors open, but works longer hours, without increased pay, to keep her kids healthy and safe. She has never considered leaving the business, but understands why child care workers are quitting in droves.

Elliot Haspel, author of Crawling Behind: America's Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It, outlines how the system broke down these past few years and the ways the US could fix it.

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