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Georgia Childcare Costs Soar, Providers Struggle
23 Oct
Summary
- Childcare costs are rising due to operational expenses and teacher wages.
- DECAL offers programs to help low-income families afford childcare.
- Childcare stability is crucial for Georgia's workforce.
Rising childcare costs present a complex challenge for Georgia, affecting families and providers alike. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is actively working to support both sides of this issue. Commissioner Amy Jacobs emphasized that high-quality childcare necessitates significant investment, impacting affordability for parents.
DECAL offers substantial assistance through programs like the CAPS subsidy, which aids over 52,000 children annually. Despite these efforts, providers face escalating operational costs, including insurance, daily expenses, and the crucial need to offer competitive wages to teachers. This financial pressure makes it difficult for centers to keep prices affordable for families.
Michelle Smith Lank, an owner with two decades of experience, highlighted that rising costs for families mirror those for providers, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of childcare centers. She stressed that ensuring access to quality childcare is vital for a stable workforce, enabling parents to work and contribute to the state's economy. DECAL also provides resources, including an online portal for finding childcare and a hotline, DECAL Listens, for public input.
