From the cover
Local child care centers struggle with losing pandemic aid
The cost of staff
The background
Two-minute impact
Only
early childhood educators in Texas earns a living wage* 1 in 10
Funds could be used for staff pay, rent, utilities and more, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The money meant centers could offer more benefits, programs and pay, McHorse said. “Fast food restaurants raise their prices because it’s more of a market, so you pass that cost to the customer. In child care, the customer is a parent who’s at their probably lowest level of economic mobility,” McHorse said.
Early childhood care providers in Cedar Park and Austin are anticipating lingering financial problems as federal relief from the COVID-19 pandemic expires Nov. 30. About $3.45 billion in Child Care Relief Funding—issued from federal and state funds—was distributed in quarterly payments to nearly 11,000 child care While this short-term solution allowed child care centers to stay afloat during the height of the pandemic, the lack of long-term funding solutions has raised concerns, said Cathy McHorse, vice president of Success By 6 for United Way for Greater Austin, a coalition dedicated to education success for children. Without the ability to receive more funds, some centers have considered raising tuition to keep up with inflation and provide competitive staff pay. providers by the Texas Workforce Commission between 2021-22.
The average early childhood educator in Texas earns only $12 per hour
SOURCES: PRENATAL-TO-3 POLICY IMPACT CENTER, TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN/COMMUNITY IMPACT *THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE LIVING WAGE IS $16.41 PER HOUR
The Williamson County impact A survey of 36 child care providers in the county found more than 80% of centers would raise tuition after relief funding ends. Percent of programs responding "yes"
Current situation
In a survey of over 1,800 child care administra- tors throughout the state conducted by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, 26% reported they are likely to close when funding runs out. In response to the survey, 25% of Williamson County child care administrators said their programs are likely or very likely to close without additional funding, while almost 53% are “unsure.” Amanda Richardson, director of Twin Lakes Development Center in Cedar Park, said she and several other day care providers have deemed the situation a “nightmare.” Funds were distrib- uted to increase wages, but now that funding has expired, centers don’t make enough to continue offering that amount, Richardson said. “If you don’t start someone out at $18 an hour, they have no desire to be there,” Richardson said. “We, as directors … I don’t make that.”
Program will reduce staff Program will cut wages Program will raise tuition
81%
Williamson County aid
44.44%
From 2022 - Oct. 2023:
42%
licensed preschool centers received the funds 235 given to centers $122.32 million
Program will reduce staff benefits
28%
Program will serve fewer children
28%
Program will compromise quality
22.22%
is the average amount awarded to centers $512,312
Program has not been affected
6%
SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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