Although the vast majority of child-care programs opened back up after the spring stay-at-home orders lifted, many daycare center and preschool owners are taking on huge financial losses — both personal and professional.that provides $10 billion in funding for the industry. However, advocates say that amount isn't enough to keep child-care providers in business for long.
That's because many centers are still operating at lower capacities, even as costs rise. The survey found that 91% are paying extra for cleaning supplies, 73% have taken on extra expenses for personal protective equipment and 60% are paying additional staff wages. The $10 billion in relief allocated to child care in Sunday's package is a "symbolic" recognition of the critical role child-care providers play, Rittling says. But more assistance is needed in order to support this hard-hit industry.