Nationwide Child Care Protests Spotlight Urgent Need for Reform

Thousands of providers and parents demand better wages, affordable care, and increased funding during the third annual 'Day Without Child Care.'

Protests took place in multiple states, with significant turnouts in Michigan and Ohio.
Child care providers and parents emphasized the critical role of early learning professionals in the economy.
Participants called for policy changes to address racial and gender inequities in the child care system.
The expiration of pandemic-era funding has exacerbated the crisis, leaving many families without affordable options.
High child care costs force many parents, especially single parents, to leave the workforce or choose unlicensed providers.