05/11/2026
Sharing for awareness and conversation. I’m always open to questions and discussion, and to helping others better understand the challenges facing child care today, including how its history as an informal system has shaped the realities we see now. This is not about blame, but about learning so we can do better moving forward.
I believe there is a place for all forms of quality child care including family child care like my own, group and center care, and lawful friend, family, and neighbor care. Supporting children and families takes all of us, not one path over another.
When we invest in quality early care, we invest in stronger children, stronger families, and a stronger future.
This only works when all voices are at the table: parents and grandparents, business owners, and government leaders working together to support children, families, and providers.
Stay engaged. Share your voice. Keep this conversation going in your homes, workplaces, and communities.
It takes all of us, and our children deserve nothing less.
Today is Day Without Child Care.
While I am personally remaining open today, I still feel it’s important to bring awareness to this movement and the critical role child care plays in all of our lives.
Day Without Child Care was created to bring attention to the child care crisis affecting families, providers, businesses, and communities across the country. Many providers are underpaid, overworked, and leaving the field at alarming rates, while families continue to struggle with affordability and access to quality care. Without child care, many parents simply cannot work, and our economy feels the impact.
Change starts with awareness.
The pandemic showed us just how essential child care is to our workforce, economy, and future. We also know that 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5, making early childhood one of the most important stages of life. Child care providers help build the foundation for lifelong learning, development, and future success every single day.
Now that we know better, let’s do better for our children, families, providers, and future.
Awareness can look different for everyone:
• Share a post about Day Without Child Care
• Wear a sticker or shirt showing you are working because of child care today
• Email your employer and let them know you’re able to work because child care exists
• Start conversations in your workplace and community
• Keep the dialogue going beyond today
Real change happens when families, businesses, communities, and government come together to support the people helping raise and educate the next generation.
Please share. Start conversations. Keep the dialogue going.
Awareness matters today, tomorrow, and far into the future.
