W. North Carolina – North Carolina’s child care centers still feel the impact of COVID-19. “The current model is unsustainable—providers cannot bridge the gap between underpaid educators and families who can’t afford rising tuition,” warns Corrie Price, Founder of Evolve Early Learning. The child care landscape faces a crisis that requires urgent attention as pandemic-era funding dissipates.
Background & Origins
The roots of this crisis run deep, entwined with the very fabric of North Carolina’s economy and social structure. For years, child care providers have been navigating a treacherous financial landscape, one that has only worsened since the cessation of COVID-19 relief funds. Marcia Whitney, president and CEO of Verner Center for Early Learning, emphasizes the dire need for a systemic overhaul: “If we achieve a statewide financing solution, all early childhood education (ECE) programs across our state will be more stable and sustainable.” The vision is clear: a future where child care services are not just a luxury for the few but a foundational investment in the well-being of all families.
As parents grapple with rising costs and dwindling options—nearly 30% report struggling to find adequate child care—providers are left to make impossible choices. Greg Borom, director of the Western North Carolina Early Childhood Coalition, paints a vivid picture of the current state: “The expenses of operating high-quality child care programs typically cannot be sustained by what parents can afford to pay for tuition.” This financial strain is not just an abstract concept; it translates into lost jobs, reduced staff salaries, and a growing exodus of experienced educators from the field.
Current Work & Achievements
In response to this pressing issue, a coalition of advocates, providers, and policymakers has emerged, united in their call for a permanent financing solution. The NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and Senator Jim Burgin, has convened to address these challenges head-on. “A preliminary report is due to the Governor’s Office by June 30, 2025,” Borom notes, highlighting the urgency of their mission. The task force has already gathered testimonies from a diverse array of stakeholders, including child care center directors and community partners, all echoing the same sentiment: action is needed now.
Yet, as discussions unfold, the question remains—what innovative strategies can be employed to stabilize and improve the child care system in Western North Carolina? Borom outlines several promising initiatives: “Through local philanthropy and public/private partnerships, there are several early learning workforce efforts underway.” These include increasing family child care homes in rural areas and piloting models like Tri-Share, which aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on families.
Personality & Philosophy
At the heart of this movement are passionate individuals like Whitney and Price, who embody a philosophy rooted in equity and accessibility. “All children deserve access to high-quality care,” Price asserts, emphasizing that families shouldn’t have to sacrifice their well-being or financial stability to provide it. Their vision extends beyond mere survival; it encompasses a holistic approach to early childhood education that values both educators and families alike.
Whitney echoes this sentiment, advocating for a financing solution that allows ECE providers to build higher wages into their annual operating budgets. “This will lead to greater workforce recruitment, qualifications, and retention,” she explains. The stakes are high; without such measures, the quality of care—and by extension, the future of countless children—hangs in the balance.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
The implications of this crisis extend far beyond individual families; they ripple through communities and impact economic stability at large. As Price poignantly states, “If COVID and Tropical Storm Helene taught us anything, it’s that early care and education are not side issues—they’re vital to the strength and resilience of our entire economy.” The legacy of this struggle will be defined not just by policy changes but by the collective commitment to reimagining how society values its youngest members.
Yet, as advocates push for change, they face significant challenges. The current reimbursement rates for child care providers remain woefully inadequate, often falling far below the actual costs of service. Borom highlights this critical issue: “Without public investment that seeks to sustain child care at a systemic level, our region will not have affordable, accessible options at scale.”
Challenges & Conflict
The road ahead is fraught with obstacles. As providers struggle to maintain quality amidst financial strain, many are on the brink of closure. The emotional toll on educators is palpable; they are losing veteran staff and finding it increasingly difficult to attract new talent due to low wages and high stress. “Programs are reporting that they are losing veteran staff,” Borom notes with concern. The urgency for reform has never been clearer.
As discussions continue within the NC Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, advocates remain hopeful yet realistic about the challenges ahead. “We must build a flexible, statewide infrastructure that values both traditional and nontraditional care models while ensuring families have real choice and voice,” Price insists. The need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both workforce wages and tuition affordability is paramount.
The Future
Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism among advocates. The potential for innovative solutions exists, but they require robust public investment and a commitment from policymakers to prioritize early childhood education as a fundamental right rather than an afterthought. As Borom articulates, “This year’s focus is on creating a statewide child care reimbursement rate that moves closer to covering the real costs of service for our region’s programs.”
The vision is ambitious but necessary: a future where every child in North Carolina has access to high-quality early learning experiences without placing undue financial strain on families or providers.
As this narrative unfolds in North Carolina—a state rich in history yet grappling with modern challenges—the voices of those who care for our youngest citizens must be amplified. The time for action is now; as Price poignantly concludes, “With rising costs and stagnant wages, we can’t afford to wait another year.”