Child Care Considerations and Access

Prior to COVID-19, the child care industry was heavily impacted by a variety of factors: minimum wage hikes, low reimbursement rates, overregulation/licensing requirements, lack of availability of infant care, lack of rural access and child care “deserts.” Many providers were already closing or eliminating subsidized care slots. Providers have had enormous challenges staying open due to poor business conditions prior to COVID-19. The pandemic only added to the financial burdens and uncertainty providers are experiencing.