Worcester County Perspectives on the Child Care Crisis
Worcester County parents, educators, and providers have faced numerous hardships due to the current early education and child care system crisis. Their stories reflect their perseverance and hope for a Common Start future.
Romeyre E., a Worcester county provider, was hit hard during the COVID pandemic. At the onset, she only had one child on a voucher, meaning she was making about $700 a month. She stated that “reopening my program during the pandemic wasn't easy for me. I spent money that I didn’t have,” highlighting the extra financial pressure placed on educators and providers.
Jonie L.B. similarly faced financial struggles as a provider. Going back to school to follow her dream, Jonie was thrilled when the opportunity came to open her own childcare business. Yet, following various personal and financial hardships, she describes how “my finances dwindled, but my love for what I did didn't.” Educators and providers across the commonwealth just like Jonie are faced with this conflict. She continues to say that “it's virtually impossible to continuously deliver high quality environments and curriculum for early childhood education, with the instability of the market. We need new funding structures to ensure that all children in Massachusetts receive the education and care they deserve and we as a society need.”
Shaitia S., a local Worcester county parent, says that “I had my son [when] I was 18, and I was looking for childcare and it was very… expensive so my only option was to seek a voucher.”
Following this experience she concludes that “I don't think it should be that tough for parents, let alone young parents.” Her story highlights that although some support systems are available for those seeking child care, many times they are unnecessarily difficult to access.
Finally Shari A., a Worcester county educator, reminds us that “there are some challenges teachers like me face in this field, such as being underpaid and also feeling under-appreciated, because a lot of people don't see us as real teachers, they see us as babysitters, who just play with children every day, and they think our job is easy. Our job is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, patience, and energy to do the work that we do every day.” She speaks to the imperative work that educators are taking on and the breadth of challenges that they have to deal with.
What is clear through all of these stories is that Common Start is needed now. Its impact will reach all corners of our community and bring about a more equitable future for all.