WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Child care challenges in New Hanover County are affecting families and the local economy as demand far exceeds available spaces.
New Hanover County has nearly 28,000 children under 18, but only 59 licensed child care centers and 16 licensed family child care homes serve them, according to data from Smart Start and the state.
“There is not enough child care spaces available for all of the demands,” said Jane Morrow, executive director of Smart Start in Wilmington.
Child care costs can reach thousands of dollars annually, with larger families facing even higher expenses. The financial burden creates additional barriers for working parents.
“I think hand and glove, we have to address affordability and address the supply. And addressing the supply means helping make sure that teachers that work in those programs are well compensated,” Morrow said.
Governor Josh Stein launched the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education last year, calling the issue both a family concern and an economic priority.
“Parents shouldn’t have to be pushed out of the workforce because they cannot afford to work. When we invest in childcare, our entire society benefits,” Stein said.
The task force released its year-end report with six recommendations, including setting a statewide subsidy rate and improving compensation for child care workers. Officials believe investing in child care will help address the statewide shortage.
Morrow said real change requires shifting how society views child care.
“It is an essential part of our workforce. I think we need to think about child care as infrastructure, the same way we think about roads, and fire and the public school system,” she said.
Smart Start of New Hanover County provides free assistance to families seeking child care. The organization can be reached at 910-815-3731.
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