Dear Editor,
My name is Tonyia Nevins, and I am the owner/director of Milestone Learning Academy. I am writing to express the changes in the childcare sector pre-COVID and post-COVID.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the childcare sector and the well-being of children and families. Reports have stated the pandemic has disrupted the provision and quality of childcare services, increased the burden of unpaid care work, and exacerbated the existing inequalities and vulnerabilities of children and caregivers.
A survey by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) found that 86% of childcare providers reported caring for fewer children than before the pandemic, with enrollment down an average of 67%. Many childcare programs face financial difficulties, staff shortages, and increased operational costs due to health and safety guidelines. In turn, it has increased families’ fees, putting financial strain on families.
I believe that childcare is essential for the development and well-being of children and our society’s economic and social recovery. Childcare provides a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for children to grow and learn and critical services to help mediate health disparities, such as food programs and physical and mental health services.