Early childhood and school-age care programs (serving children birth through age 12) keep kids safe, engage young people in enriching activities, and help working parents keep their jobs. These programs are proven to help children reach their full potential and are a lifeline for families across ND. Yet, the early childhood and school-age care industry has become one of North Dakota’s largest workforce issues.
Further, out-of-school time programs serving middle and high school youth can play a pivotal role in fostering North Dakota’s future workforce.
As we head into North Dakota’s 69th Legislative Session starting January 2025, the unique opportunity exits to strengthen and support the state’s early childhood and school-age care industry by ensuring care is available, affordable, and high-quality. While investments were made during the 68th Legislative Session, further solutions are needed that consider the cost of care for parents while providing adequate funding for childcare and school-age out-of-school time programs.
The North Dakota Afterschool Network and Child Care Aware of North Dakota are working together to align systems to increase access and quality in the early childhood and school-age care industry.
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