Child Care Access During COVID-19: Effects on Employment and Well-Being in Durham, NC

Research Paper Executive Summary Presentation Slides

Introduction

Childcare access is central to economic empowerment. Insufficient child care access in the U.S. pushes parents out of the workforce, hurts the economy, and perpetuates cycles of gender and racial inequality because women and people of color are most likely to suffer because of childcare barriers.

As COVID-19 shut down and increased financhial insecurity, issues related to insufficent childcare were exacerbated. To investigate how this impacted people in Durham, 75 parents with kids 5 and under in Durham, NC were surveyed and asked about 3 key issues:

Barriers to accessing childcare
Effects of childcare on employment
Effects of childcare on overall wellbeing

Parents experienced various childcare barriers, with high cost being the most common barrier.
With improved childcare access, parents would take steps to advance their careers.
Mental health struggles are more prevalent among those experiencing childcare obstacles.

Policy Reccomendations

Invest in support for low-income families

If parents had more support related to challenges such as finding employment, affording housing, and accessing healthcare, they would be better equipped to combat childcare barriers.

Aggregate Resources

Local organizations, institutions, and employers can be of use by making it easier for parents to access the help that is available to them.