Childcare Crisis: Texas Faces Mass Closures as Federal Funding Ends
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on various sectors, and the childcare industry is no exception. In Texas, the looming crisis has prompted concerns as federal funding comes to an end, leaving many childcare centers struggling to stay afloat.
One such center, Cielito Lindo, a home-based Spanish immersion childcare center in north Austin, felt the impact of the pandemic just months after its opening. Maria Dominguez, the center’s owner, had invested her savings into fulfilling her dream, only to face an uncertain future when the pandemic hit. However, she was able to receive assistance through the child care federal relief fund, which not only helped cover expenses but also allowed her to pay herself for the first time.
With the aid of the relief fund, Cielito Lindo thrived, employing three full-time caregivers and enrolling 15 children, with more on the waiting list. However, as the federal funds dwindled, Dominguez faced a difficult decision. Without financial assistance and struggling to find quality educators and staff, she had no choice but to close her home-based center.
Unfortunately, Cielito Lindo is not an isolated case. According to Cody Summerville, executive director of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC), closures like this are likely to continue as other child care facilities exhaust their federal funding. TXAEYC conducted a survey revealing teacher shortages, a lack of child care facilities compared to the number of children, and an alarming number of closures on the horizon as financial assistance dries up.
Data from the Texas Health and Human Services shows a worrying trend. While the population of children under 13 in Central Texas has been increasing steadily since 2012, the number of child care operations has consistently decreased. Over 800 child care centers voluntarily closed their doors in Central Texas since 2018, depriving nearly 27,000 children of accessible child care. In Travis County alone, the population of children under 13 reached a 10-year high, while active licensed child care operations had a capacity of less than 59,000.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the City of Austin has taken steps to address the issue. Austin City Council conducted a public hearing to consider an ordinance that would amend regulations related to child care services. The proposed changes aim to increase the land available for child care services by 255%, providing a potential solution to the shortage.
Lawmakers have also made efforts to support child care centers by placing a constitutional amendment on the November ballot to provide tax relief. However, child advocates stress the importance of lawmakers understanding the struggles faced by families seeking affordable child care.
As the child care crisis looms larger in Texas, it is essential for policymakers to implement solutions to prevent mass closures. The government must acknowledge that accessible and high-quality child care services are not a luxury but a necessity. By investing in the welfare of young children and families, Texas has the opportunity to set an example for other states and countries, ensuring a brighter and more secure future.
