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.
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Financial and Emotional Strain of Childcare
- Joseph Spire, a parent in Washington, D.C., paid $1,000 for backup childcare due to COVID-19 quarantines.
- The changing routines and disruptions are also emotionally straining for his two kids.
Classroom Closures and Staffing Shortages
- Deirdre Anderson, CEO of Early Start, faces classroom closures due to quarantines and staffing shortages.
- Families and staff are stressed, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the current childcare crisis.
Parent Frustration Over Lost Childcare Spots
- Corey Berg, director of Hope Day School, was cursed at by a parent upset about her children losing their spots.
- This incident underscores the heightened frustrations surrounding childcare availability.
