Kristine VanHoosen
Child care has finally taken center stage in national conversations. Advocates, community leaders, employers and lawmakers now recognize that child care is not just a family concern—it’s a cornerstone of our economic infrastructure. But after years of raising awareness, the next question is: What comes next?
Awareness matters, but it’s time for action. The issue is more than recognizing the value of child care—it’s about ensuring that we build a system that works for everyone. We need to turn the good intentions into tangible changes that make a real difference in people’s lives, particularly working families with low incomes, in rural areas or working non-traditional hours who struggle to find affordable, quality care.
This is more than a policy debate; it’s an urgent crisis. Without affordable child care, parents—particularly mothers—are forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce altogether, impacting long-term family stability and the broader economy.
We know the challenges: Families need affordable, accessible child care; providers need livable wages and respect; employers want to support their workforce; and while lawmakers are listening, meaningful action still lags behind.
The core issue is funding, but solutions require collaboration across sectors. Legislators, you have the power to transform child care policy. It’s time to move from discussion to implementation: prioritize funding, expand subsidies and enact policies that make quality care available to all families, regardless of income.
Employers are in a unique position to make a significant impact. For many families, affordable and available child care is their biggest obstacle to participating in the workforce. Offering child care benefits, flexible schedules and paid family leave helps employees balance work and caregiving. These supports will also foster a more loyal, productive workforce. Partnerships with local child care centers can secure placements for employees’ children, easing access and reducing stress.
Need to work together
I know these solutions aren’t easy to implement quickly, and not every employer can offer every benefit. But child care providers can’t be the only ones searching for answers. Too often, they’re left to tackle these issues alone, in isolated discussions. Real solutions will only come when we work together. We need lawmakers, employers, policy experts and child care advocates collaborating to create lasting change.
Reflecting on the “day without child care,” I’m reminded of how much progress we’ve made in raising awareness about the importance of child care. I once believed that a mass provider shutdown would drive the point home, but I realize that’s not an effective answer. Moving forward, we need to highlight the collaborations between providers, employers, policy experts and lawmakers that strengthen this vital industry, elevating examples of collective impact and possibility.
From the families with young children, we say, “Because of you, I can leave my child in your care without worry.” From employers relying on providers, we say, “Because of you, our workforce is stronger.” The young children who spend time with you will say, “Because of you, I feel seen.”
“Because of you” is a simple but powerful message—let’s start using it.
