Description:
This year, our report examines the status of Connecticut's child care industry before the coronavirus pandemic, and explores recommendations that can help state policymakers create a stronger early childhood environment that is necessary for rebuilding Connecticut's economy. We find that while Connecticut has made some progress, many indicators point to the same conclusions that we have drawn in our previous years' reports on the state of early childhood. This year's report concludes that the state continues to see the following: - a shortage of child care slots, - high child care costs that are not affordable to most families, and - a continuing divide in preschool experience between higher- and lower-income towns. Our report also examines the family child care provider (FCC) economic model specifically and shows that many FCCs are making far below minimum wage, just $6.10 per hour. We find that certain aspects of the industry, such as the market rate survey, don't work for FCCs. Moreover, necessary funding for preschool programs has benefitted some child care providers but has diverted families with preschool-aged children away from FCCs. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Publisher(s):
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
Connecticut