A number of states have taken important steps forward this year to expand access to high-quality early learning programs, according to a new National Women's Law Center fact sheet. While some states' budgets are still being debated, at least sixteen have already increased funding for child care and early education, and at least another eight are considering proposals for additional funding.
A number of states have taken important steps forward this year to expand access to high-quality early learning programs, according to a new National Women's Law Center fact sheet. While some states' budgets are still being debated, at least sixteen have already increased funding for child care and early education, and at least another eight are considering proposals for additional funding.
Progress was made in a wide spectrum of states, including both states already providing substantial support for early care and education as well as states that had not previously made significant investments in this area. Indiana and Mississippi, which had been among the ten states that did not fund prekindergarten programs, established new prekindergarten programs, with Indiana investing $2 million and Mississippi investing $3 million. Michigan increased funding for its existing prekindergarten program by $65 million (60 percent), which will be used to serve at least 10,000 more children.
A few states acted to enable more families to receive help paying for child care. Maryland has reduced the number of children on the waiting list for child care assistance from over 17,000 in 2012 to just 76 a year later. North Dakota increased its income eligibility limit for child care assistance from 50 percent to 85 percent of state median income (the maximum allowed under federal law) and provided funding to raise reimbursement rates for child care providers and to support grants for child care facilities and other efforts to increase the supply and quality of care.
However, the news is not all good. Two states significantly reduced families’ access to child care assistance, and two additional states are considering cuts to child care and early education programs. For example, Kentucky stopped providing child care assistance to new applicants and lowered its income eligibility limit for assistance from 150 percent to 100 percent of poverty. These cuts will eliminate child care assistance for approximately 8,700 families. The budget proposed by the Massachusetts House includes a $17.5 million reduction in child care funding, despite Governor Patrick's proposal to increase investments. Meanwhile, North Carolina is considering cuts to its prekindergarten program.
Investments to expand access to and enhance the quality of early care and education programs provide clear benefits to society. Children who participate in early learning programs are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Additionally, reliable child care enables parents to work and maintain the steady income they need to support their families.
These positive developments in so many states this year demonstrate the broad, bipartisan recognition of the benefits of early care and education and the need to invest in our children. With further support for early education at the state and federal level, we can build on this progress to ensure greater access to high-quality early learning opportunities for children nationwide.