Child Care as Infrastructure
Modern child care is not limited to one specific format.

“What’s great about the early education system is that there is room for everyone. Each family has to make the
choice of what is best for them,” says Scott. “While most people think of child care as a Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.

to 6 p.m. service, there are providers who serve families overnight, on part-time bases and even with emergency drop-
off services.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and schools went remote, many child care organizations adjusted to take in more
school-aged children for full day care to accommodate the needs of families, he adds.

At the same time, Lent says, the pandemic hit many child care providers hard. When many parents kept children
home, organizations found themselves losing tuition. They also found themselves having to spend additional money on
revising their health and safety procedures.

“We have seen many, many programs struggle during the pandemic. Some have closed their doors for good …. If more
child care providers close their doors, there simply won’t be enough care to support the rest of the workforce,” Lent
explains. This impact, he emphasizes, is why it is vital that policymakers see child care as infrastructure and support
providers, parents and employers with solutions.

A Focus on Philosophy and Approach
With this background information in mind, how can parents find the right option for
their family’s needs?
Artis recommends that parents first look at the philosophy and approach of the
child care program in question. “Is it research and evidence-based? Then the next
would be the curriculum. Is it responsive to children’s needs, or is it just one size fits
all?” she asks.

Artis also suggests that parents look for inviting environments—at the least a
good mixture of instructors’ experience and educational backgrounds, the ability for
children to play outdoors, a constructive approach to discipline and guidance and
diversity in all ways.

Scott shares a promising development. Many states now have a Quality Rating and
Improvement System (QRIS) that helps you recognize the level of care your child will
receive. “The national standard of high-quality early education is still accreditation
from the National Association for the Education of Young Children,” he says.

In terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lent encourages parents not to be afraid to
ask child care providers questions such as, “what are your sanitizing, drop-off and
pickup, masking and vaccination policies?”
“I think the big takeaway for parents,” Scott says, “is that we, as Americans, recognize the
importance of high-quality early learning for our children. This (realization) is leading to
many more states and local municipalities investing more in early learning. Fifteen years
ago, I do not think a major city would have had families fighting for a sweetened beverage tax
to pay for high-quality pre-kindergarten. We are moving to a system where the people caring
for your infant are not just loving people, but highly trained professionals.”
And, if we continue to advocate for these ideas, our future generations will be better
for it. n
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Advocacy and Action