Here’s why childcare is in danger in South Carolina
Sep 18, 2023
A federally funded program that supported stabilizing the childcare industry during the COVID pandemic is coming to an end on September 30. Without this money, South Carolina’s childcare providers may struggle to stay open for business.
The Background
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provided childcare programs in our state, and across the nation, with funding to remain open or reopen while government-mandated lockdowns were in place. This allowed childcare workers to stay on payroll and provide accessible childcare to families.
Providers in 98 percent of South Carolina counties received money from the government. The funding supported basic operational costs like wages and benefits, rent and utilities, and program materials and supplies.
In total, The ARP program invested $436.6 million into South Carolina.
The Impact on Families
Once the funding ends, the economic wellbeing of South Carolina’s families will be threatened. Parents could lose up to $123 million in earnings as a result of being forced to cut work hours or leave the workforce to care for their children.
More than three million children are projected to lose access to child care nationwide, according to The Century Foundation. This will make it harder for families to find safe, nurturing child care options.
- More than 49,000 children in South Carolina are expected to lose their childcare
- Over 600 childcare programs are projected to close
- Close to 3,000 child care jobs are expected to be lost in South Carolina
How You Can Take Action
The Child Care Stabilization Act was introduced to Congress on September 13. This act would extend the current federal funding and ensure that providers can keep their doors open and families can get the care that they need.
You can take action to protect childcare in our state by:
- Emailing congress and letting them know we must pass the Child Care Stabilization Act to help save childcare.
- Text CHILDCARE to (888) 418-5699 to contact your Congress member and tell them to pass the Child Care Stabilization Act.
Find out more ways to support the Child Care Stabilization Act here.