Unlocking Health: Why Child Care is Essential for Well-Being in the Wake of Helene, According to Regional Health Experts

Health care employers in Western North Carolina are urging for better child care solutions. During a recent legislative summit at UNC-Asheville, there was a clear message: many skilled professionals in the region are not working due to child care challenges. John Bryant, from UNC Health Pardee, reported that over half of these professionals cited lack of child care as their reason for staying home.

William Hathaway, CEO of Mountain Area Health Education Center, emphasized the need to approach child care as essential infrastructure. “We need sustainable solutions, not just quick fixes,” he said.

This growing concern isn’t limited to healthcare; businesses across various sectors are calling for enhanced child care options. The NC Chamber Foundation released a report highlighting policies aimed at expanding access for working parents throughout the state.

Several state legislators attended the summit, showcasing the importance of this issue. Hosted by organizations like the WNC Health Policy Initiative, the summit gathered insights from various sectors. Employers are starting to implement their own solutions, such as on-site child care programs and funding local initiatives, to support their employees.

For example, Mission Health collaborates with Bright Horizons for their on-site child care program, significantly aiding staff who face child care struggles. Despite these efforts, the region is still considered a “child care desert,” a term used by Renee Klimkiewicz, Mission Health’s HR director.

As AdventHealth Hendersonville looks to expand their workforce, they’re grappling with the need for flexible child care options. Many employees work long shifts, raising concerns about their families’ care needs.

Panelists at the summit discussed strategies that could help both families and employers. Marcia Whitney, president of Verner Center for Early Learning, highlighted two promising policies. One would raise the subsidy floor rate for child care providers in rural areas. The other would offer free child care to support child care teachers, who are typically underpaid.

The median starting wage for child care teachers was reported at $14 per hour in 2023, while assistant teachers started at around $12, according to a recent study. “Parents are paying too much, while teachers aren’t making enough,” Whitney pointed out. She urged for broader partnerships involving public and corporate contributions to address these wages.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene revealed further challenges in this area. Conversations with employees showed that many wanted to help in recovery efforts but needed child care to do so. Most licensed child care programs in affected areas survived the storm, but the overall fragility of the system remains a concern.

North Carolina has allocated funding towards relief efforts, with $10 million designated for child care. Recently introduced Senate Bill 412 aims to further increase subsidy rates and expand child care capacity, especially in rural counties impacted by the hurricane.

Notably, Gov. Josh Stein’s budget proposal also addresses child care concerns, suggesting significant funding for subsidies and tax credits.

Long-term changes are necessary, according to Whitney, who believes that raising compensation for child care teachers and incentivizing family child care homes is essential. "We know the solutions," she said. "It’s all about having the right conversations and getting organized to make them happen."

In summary, the call for improved child care solutions in Western North Carolina is growing louder. This issue crosses industry lines and impacts many families who need support to balance work and child care. A collaborative approach involving businesses, government, and community organizations will be crucial for creating a sustainable future for workers and their families. For more insights on child care strategies in North Carolina, see this NC Chamber report.

Source link

AdventHealth,Asheville,Buncombe County,child care,early education,Education NC,Henderson County,Hendersonville,Hurricane Helene,MAHEC,Mission Health,Pardee UNC Health,YMCA of Western North Carolina