Imagining a day without child care almost seems almost unimaginable. We’d see a butterfly effect of children unable to access their regularly trusted and qualified child care educators causing parents, guardians, families and others to assume yet another role, all while disabling them from continuing their work and maintaining their regularly scheduled lives. At NAFCC we know just how essential child care is to communities, families, children and home-based child care educators alike. Making child care accessible, fairly compensated and equitable however, is no easy feat.
Our mission at NAFCC is to promote high-quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care for nearly one million paid home-based early learning programs. One of the ways we can do that is by supporting initiatives like Day Without Child Care and listening to the many child care educators we are in service to each day. In our commitment and service to children, families, and child care educators, we echo the words of Benu Chhaabra, a Family Childcare Leader in Concord, California:
“I envision a future where every child has access to high-quality, affordable child care, where educators are valued and compensated with thriving wages, and where communities thrive through nurturing and supporting the growth and development of our youngest members. Together, we can create a world where every child’s potential is realized, and every educator is empowered to make a positive difference in their lives.
A Day Without Child Care is very important to recognize because this day shows families, employers, and legislators what it would be like if children had to either go to work with their parents and/or be left home as latchkey children. Child Care Educators provide a safe, caring, and home-like environment for children 0-5 years of age in which they are able to grow and develop, make mistakes and learn, and get healthy meals. A world without family child care is a world where children lose their childhood.”
As we reflect on the potential of a day without child care, it becomes clear that child care is not just a service, but an essential thread holding together our communities.
On Monday, May 13th, we invite you to join us in honoring Day Without Child Care and continuing to fight for equitable access to affordable child care, and better pay and working conditions for child care educators. The hope is that this day will shine a light on the true cost of child care and raise awareness and funding for an affordable and equitable access child care system for all families. For more information on how you can support this initiative and child care educators across the nation visit the Day Without Child Care website where you can sign the pledge, host an event or look for local events in your area.
