Parents, early childhood staff, and caregivers in New Jersey and across the nation are preparing to participate in "A Day Without Child Care" on May 12. This initiative seeks to highlight the critical role played by early care and education workers, who are often both undervalued and underpaid. Participants will wear stickers stating, "Thanks to child care, I'm at work!" and are encouraged to share their experiences on social media with the hashtags #DayWithoutChildCare and #NJVotes4Kids.
The event underscores the importance of funding New Jersey's child care infrastructure, equating it with other vital services like roads and railways. The state's child care system faces challenges, including accessibility, staffing shortages, and affordability. Many child care providers struggle financially, managing only to meet minimum wage obligations. This financial strain limits their ability to offer competitive wages, often discouraging qualified individuals from entering or remaining in the field.
As the New Jersey legislature works on the state budget, "A Day Without Child Care" serves as a call to action for increased investment in the welfare of children and their caregivers.
