Kansas economy depends on child care access; we should act like it

Early childhood education is critical to the development of healthy and responsible children. Unfortunately, those in the business are poorly paid

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Editorials

July 11, 2022 - 3:36 PM

Jessy Coffield, preschool teacher, and Sheri Orear, owner of Ready Set Learn preschool, in 2019 prepare materials for the first day of school, which starts today. The new program combined USD 257, ANW Cooperative and private preschools and daycares to offer tuition-free preschool, transportation and the same curriculum to all 4-year-olds in the district.

Despite a multitude of job opportunities, young mothers, especially, are not joining the workforce because of a lack of childcare options.

About one in 10 child care workers have not returned to their jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, which forced many centers to temporarily close across the country. 

Though men continue to take a larger role in caring for their children, women remain the primary caregiver, according to the Labor Department. 

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