Labor Day is a time to recognize the workers who keep North Carolina moving. But behind millions of working parents is something else that helps keep our economy moving: reliable, affordable child care.
Child care is more than a family responsibility. It is essential economic infrastructure — just like the roads, energy and broadband that allow businesses and communities to function.
Yet for too many North Carolina families, finding and affording child care remains a daily challenge. More than five families compete for every available child care seat, and center-based infant care now costs an average of $12,370 a year — more than in-state college tuition. The consequences extend well beyond individual households: one in three parents scales back work because of child care challenges, and one in four leaves a job.
The Cost of North Carolina’s Child Care Gap
Our new fact sheet puts the economic impact into perspective: North Carolina’s child care gap costs the state an estimated $5.65 billion in lost economic activity every year. That includes $4.29 billion associated with employee turnover, absenteeism, and decreased productivity, along with $1.36 billion in lost state and local tax revenue.
Those numbers make something clear this Labor Day: We can’t talk about supporting North Carolina’s workforce without talking about child care.
Solutions will require action across sectors. Increasing child care subsidy rates, supporting and strengthening the early education workforce, expanding infant and toddler care, engaging employers, and building a more sustainable child care system can help North Carolina create an economy that works better for businesses, parents — and children.
Because when parents have reliable care for their children, they can go to work. Businesses can retain employees. Communities become stronger. And children have access to the early learning experiences that help build a strong foundation for the future.
Explore our fact sheet, Child Care Is Essential Infrastructure for North Carolina, and learn more about why investing in child care is an investment in North Carolina’s workforce and economy.