Without adequate funding, providers can’t hire qualified staff. One in six early learning professionals vacated positions throughout the pandemic. With less staff, they’re forced to take on less children. Child care providers statewide have waiting lists that are dozens long, multiple open positions, and have had to close multiple classrooms in most cases. In Kent and Sussex counties, especially in rural or low-income areas, child care deserts are a reality.

The good news is: the broader world is waking up to the critical infrastructure and economy-building power of early childhood education. Read more >