Child care 2 steps forward 1 step back

Reflecting on a Year as CEO of Care

Celebrating my First Year: A CEO's Perspective

In June, I marked my inaugural year as CEO of Care. My decision to join this company was driven by a profound belief in the transformative impact of care on our lives. Over the past year, this belief has only grown stronger, as I've come to appreciate the profound complexities surrounding the concept of care.

Care: Personal and Societal

Care transcends personal realms; it is intricately woven into the fabric of society. It encompasses familial bonds and economic dynamics. While care provides solace, its accessibility can be elusive. Care needs can arise suddenly and evolve rapidly, yet progress in addressing our care challenges has been frustratingly slow.

The Impact of Care Crises

Consider the everyday scenarios that necessitate care: sudden daycare closures, children home sick, or grandparents unavailable for childcare. These disruptions not only unsettle routines but also ripple through our economy. Parents miss work, productivity declines, and economic stability falters. Despite the widespread impact of these issues, Congress has yet to prioritize comprehensive childcare investment and reform.

Assessing Progress and Setbacks

In the past year, we've seen notable achievements such as the CHIPs Act and President Biden's Executive Order on Caregivers. However, these victories remain tenuous; legislation like the Child Tax Credit expansion faces obstacles in Congress, stalling critical advancements.

Navigating Challenges

We celebrated the return of women to the workforce but encountered setbacks like the lapse in pandemic-era childcare funding. The Biden administration's efforts to revive this funding were admirable, but Congressional inaction left many families financially strained and childcare providers facing uncertain futures.

Advocacy and Legislative Roadblocks

Despite commendable efforts from lawmakers, crucial childcare legislation often stalls before reaching a vote, thwarting substantive policy changes.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Collaboration

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo's National Child Care Innovation Summit underscored the urgency of accessible childcare in fostering workforce growth. Public-private partnerships are crucial in addressing this crisis.

Driving Change Together

Recent advocacy efforts, including raising childcare issues in the presidential debate, highlight the importance of collective action. While answers remain elusive, our commitment to partnership and advocacy with organizations like Moms First remains steadfast.

Call to Action

As we reflect on the past year, the need for decisive action on childcare becomes clearer. We cannot afford further delays. Together, we must advocate for change and empower families to demand the solutions they deserve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my first year as CEO of Care has reinforced my dedication to advancing childcare reform. While challenges persist, our commitment to innovation, advocacy, and collaboration remains unwavering. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that care is accessible to all who need it.