By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114
Mary Welander
I had the incredible honor and privilege on July 19 to participate in a discussion surrounding child care held at the White House. In total, 91 legislators from 41 states attended the White House Convening of States on Child Care with the mutual goal of learning from each other about the actions their states had taken to make child care more affordable and accessible while strengthening workforce development and employee retention.
At first glance, it would appear that Connecticut wouldn’t have similar concerns as South Dakota, Kansas or New Mexico. But we all quickly confirmed what a universal crisis this is. We all have child care “deserts” where there is an acute lack of providers. We all need more slots for children in care centers. We all recognize that providers need to be paid more – but that families cannot afford child care costs as they stand now.
What was a challenging situation before the pandemic has hit its tipping point, and we need to finally address this matter head-on. It was a relief to hear the recognition that the current state of child care is truly a major problem and that states and the federal government are committed to making change.
For too long concerns about this profession were often seen as less important than more standard industries. We could debate the reasons why, but my hunch is that it is because this is a female-centered industry in both the employees and the customers. We have seen similar dismissals of concern in areas like K-12 teaching, nursing, counseling – all female-dominated professions.
There is finally the beginning of an acknowledgment that our society and economy literally would not be able to function properly without these professions. As it stands, the lack of child care costs the US roughly $122 billion per year, according to US News & World Report. It also leaves many people, again mostly women, vulnerable during their childrearing years through retirement due to the loss of income earned and saved.
As you may know, I have three school-aged children and stayed home with them for 13 years. While I am grateful we had that option, a large factor behind our decision was the cost of child care for three children under the age of 5.
I also worked at a child care center before I had children; while I loved working with the kids, the hourly rate was nowhere near enough to support myself. I also saw how parents were completely reliant on their kids attending each day and the stress they faced when a sick child needed to stay home. These experiences have left me with a unique understanding of this problem.
My trip to the White House made one thing very clear: we have to do more, and quickly, to support parents, children and child care workers.
I look forward to working with my colleagues both in Connecticut and across the country to find sustainable solutions to our child care crisis.