Childcare in North Carolina costs too much. The average family pays $11,720 each year for childcare. That’s more than college tuition! Families with two kids pay over $19,000 per year. That’s more than most people pay for rent.

Dr. Louis Finney Jr. leads Smart Start of Forsyth County. He says this problem affects all families, not just those with low incomes.

New Plan to Help Families

The state has a new plan to fix this problem. Here’s what they want to do:

• • • Pay childcare centers more money – This helps centers stay open and hire good teachers.
    • Give childcare workers better benefits – This helps keep good workers in childcare jobs.
    • Free childcare for teachers and students – People who work in schools would get help paying for childcare.
    • Start a special fund – This money would help pay for childcare programs for years to come.

Why This Matters

At Smart Start of Forsyth County, we know good childcare helps kids learn and grow. When families can afford good childcare, parents can work without worry. This helps everyone in our community.

We have been working on this problem for years. We help families find good childcare. We also help childcare centers get better.

What’s Next

This problem won’t be fixed overnight. But the new plan gives us hope. Smart Start of Forsyth County will keep helping families and fighting for what kids need.

Every child deserves a good start. Every family deserves childcare they can afford.

Read the full news story here.