Funding and Eligibility Issues
The end of pandemic-era funds and rising child care costs have led to increased turnaways and waitlists for federally funded scholarships in states like , , and .
Some states have paused enrollments, increased copayments, or reduced the number of children served, with halting enrollments for part of the last year.
Impact of Federal Cuts
The Trump administration's cuts led to layoffs in the Office of Child Care, affecting oversight and safety standards enforcement for child care subsidies.
Despite a significant investment during the pandemic to support the child care industry, the expiration of these funds and the lack of extension have left many states struggling to maintain programs.
Personal Stories Highlighting the Crisis
Child care worker Janeth Ibarra exemplifies the struggle, facing a waitlist for state assistance despite her qualification, forcing her to pay over $1,200 a month for care.
Advocates express concern that the cuts and funding shortages will lead to less safe, more expensive, and harder-to-find child care.