There’s been some confusing information coming out about the #childcare and universal pre-K #UPK policies in the current #BuildBackBetter plan. Let’s set the record straight: (a thread) 🧵
The plan would lower costs for the majority of families & raise wages for underpaid early educators (crucial for recruitment, retention, and high quality care + education). Staff shortages are growing and will grow even more without raising compensation. 2/
Today, there simply are not enough high-quality programs, and when they are, families often cannot afford them. With #BuildBackBetter investments, millions of children will have safe, nurturing, affordable care options that simply are not available to them today. 3/
How would the proposed policy work? States would develop cost estimate models that include the cost of wages comparable to elementary school teachers, and no lower than a living wage for every program that participates. 4/
The first 3 yrs years phases in to give states the time to develop plans, build the child care supply, recruit and train early educators. The funding available for wage increases will match the funding available to support all eligible families starting in year 4. 5/
The PreK program is universal. The #childcare policy that passed the House Budget Committee had no income cap. Even if the compromise caps eligibility at 2x the state’s median income - about $197k for an avg U.S. family of 4, millions of families will benefit. 6/
Families will be better off as a result of the combination of lower costs for families and the increased supply and higher quality that comes with higher wages for educators. 7/
And the expanded child and dependent care tax credit of up to $8,000 for two children will further lower costs for families. 8/
Many people and orgs have been fighting for child care and early learning progress for a long time. If you want more information, ask us about it. More information is available here from @NWLC @CLASP_DC and @TCFdotorg: nwlc.org/resources/the-… 9/
We have a chance to make unprecedented, significant progress for families, women, children, and the child care/early learning sector. The #BuildBackBetter plan will support econ growth, racial & gender equity, and children’s wellbeing. Let’s get this done! #solvechildcare 12/12
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