CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The growing movement to fund child care facilities in North Carolina is getting louder as facilities across the state worry they won't be able to keep their doors open due to a lack of funding.
The end of pandemic-era funding has hundreds of day care facilities sounding alarms that they'll be forced to close this summer. Experts fear it could cause an economic crisis with families scrambling to find child care without notice.
"[Panedmic funding] enabled me to increase staff salaries and give quarterly staff bonuses to help with benefits," Eleanor Toliver, the owner of First Ward Child Development Center, told WCNC Charlotte in April.
Experts say the looming crisis will be bad for everyone.
"In the long run it hurts the children, the families and us too," Sundra Hanna with Sunny Kids Academy said. "If they have to close classrooms because they don't have the teachers, what do the parents do if their center closes?"
There are numerous reports all painting this picture of what's being called a child care crisis. The money that's kept some facilities afloat ends in just a few weeks.
While it's a nationwide issue, it's especially troubling for North Carolina. Data from state health officials says 278 facilities closed last year, and care is only getting more expensive.
A survey of about 1,500 child care facilities across North Carolina found 88% of providers plan to increase tuition once pandemic funding ends. As for employees, cuts are expected in hours, transportation services and more.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.