In a groundbreaking move to address the child care crisis affecting families across the country, states like New Mexico, Washington, and Kentucky are implementing innovative solutions to make child care more affordable and accessible.
In New Mexico, Marisshia Sigala, a mother who had put her career on hold due to the high cost of child care, was able to return to work after the state made child care free for nearly all families. By tapping into petroleum revenue, New Mexico is now funding early childhood initiatives, benefiting over 21,000 children like Sigala’s son, Mateo.
Similarly, in Washington state, Zaneta Billyzone-Jatta was able to send her daughter Zakiah to a child care center for free, thanks to a state program for low-income families and children with developmental concerns. The program, funded by a new tax on investment profits, has helped Zakiah make significant progress in her development.
In Kentucky, a program was launched to cover or reduce the cost of child care for parents working in the child care industry. This initiative not only aims to address the shortage of child care workers but also provides low-cost child care for all families. Delaney Griffin, a beneficiary of the program, was able to start a career in child care and drastically reduce her child care costs.
These state-led initiatives are not only making child care more affordable for families but also creating opportunities for parents to re-enter the workforce and pursue their careers. As the child care crisis continues to impact working parents, these innovative solutions are providing much-needed relief and support for families across the country.