In Weld County, the child care crisis has reached critical levels, turning our community into a child care desert where affordable and accessible child care is increasingly scarce. The lack of child care options affects not only individual families but also the broader community, creating a ripple effect that stunts economic growth, hampers workforce participation, and strains social services. Addressing this issue is paramount, and United Way of Weld County’s Early Care and Education team is leading the charge.
Affordable child care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. When families have access to reliable and affordable child care, parents can pursue and maintain employment, leading to increased household incomes and reduced reliance on public assistance programs. This financial stability translates to better living conditions, improved health outcomes, and greater educational opportunities for children.
Children who receive high-quality early care are more likely to succeed academically and socially. Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development, fostering cognitive and social skills that are crucial for future success. Without affordable, high-quality child care, many children miss out on these formative experiences, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting their potential.
Recognizing the critical need for affordable child care, the Early Care and Education team at United Way of Weld County has been working to close the gap. Their multifaceted approach addresses the issue from several angles, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
One of the key initiatives is increasing the availability of child care slots by supporting the establishment and expansion of child care businesses. This involves providing grants and resources to new and existing child care providers, enabling them to enhance their facilities, meet licensing requirements, and improve the quality of care.
Recently, five new child care centers were supported with grants, and 17 new family child care homes received funding to open or expand their programs and enhance their space for child care. Thirty family child care businesses opened in the last 12 months with technical assistance and financial support to walk them through the family child care licensing process. By fostering a supportive environment for providers, the Early Care and Education team is helping to create more child care options for families across Weld County.
In addition to expanding capacity, United Way focuses on affordability. They collaborate with local and state governments to advocate for policies that subsidize child care costs for low-income families. These efforts aim to reduce the financial burden on parents and ensure that quality care is accessible to all, regardless of income.
Professional development for child care providers is another critical aspect of United Way’s strategy. By offering training programs and workshops, they help providers stay up to date with best practices in early childhood education. These classes are also offered in Spanish due to the increased number of Spanish speaking only providers in Weld County. This not only improves the quality of care but also ensures that providers are equipped to support the diverse needs of children and families in our community.
The child care desert in Weld County is a pressing issue that requires collective action. As a community, we must recognize the importance of affordable child care and support initiatives that address this need. United Way’s Early Care and Education team is making significant strides, but they cannot do it alone. By supporting their efforts, advocating for policy changes, and investing in the future of our children, we can create a community where every family has access to the child care they need.
Together, we can turn the tide on the child care crisis, ensuring a brighter future for our children and a more prosperous Weld County.
Lisa Sadar is the Assistant Director of Early Care and Education at United Way of Weld County.
