A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR |
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Over the course of the last year and a half, the Virginia Promise Partnership together with our amazing partners, advocates, and allies have made incredible strides toward strengthening Virginia's child care system. Parents, providers, and members of the business community have stepped up to advocate for the early education sector like never before. And child care is finally starting to be recognized for the critical role it plays in supporting our children, workforce, and economy.
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I'm so proud of all of this remarkable progress, which makes sharing some personal news that much more bittersweet. October was my last month serving as the Director of the Virginia Promise Partnership, as I'll be moving on to pursue other professional opportunities. It has been a true honor playing a part in shaping and driving the mission, strategy, and efforts of the Partnership. I continue to be in awe of the passionate parents, providers, and advocates who share their stories and bring a face to Virginia's ongoing child care crisis. Without you, this movement wouldn't be possible.
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We still have much more work to do in the coming months and years to make sure we give our children and families the child care they want, need, and deserve. But I am more confident that ever in the power of our movement and the progress we've made to date. We will meet our bold goal of all ensuring that all Virginia families have access to quality, affordable child care by 2030. And I cannot wait to see the continued transformation of Virginia's child care system to the benefit of our workforce, our communities, our families, and - most importantly - our children.
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NEW REPORT REVEALS CHILD CARE PRICES OUTPACED INFLATION IN 2021 |
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This month, Child Care Aware of America released a new report that brings light to the ongoing struggle many families face in light of rising prices of child care. Through extensive surveys conducted across the United States, Child Care Aware reveals that child care prices outpaced inflation in 2021 for the third consecutive year.
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While the average annual inflation rate was higher than usual at 4.7% in 2021, child care prices rose by an average of 5% when compared to 2020 prices. In Virginia specifically, the average annual price of full-time center-based care for families was over $15,200 for an infant - making Virginia the 19th most expensive state for center-based infant care. Moreover, parents paid an average of $14,100 for center-based toddler care - making Virginia the 18th most expensive state for center-based toddler care. Based on the statewide median income for a single-parent family, single parents paid up to 45% of their family's income on center-based infant care alone.
The child care crisis is holding families and our entire economy back. It is more important than ever that elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders take proactive steps to stabilize the child care sector and make early education more affordable and accessible to all families. The full report can be found here.
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During our October Promise Advocates Call, our advocates heard the latest about Virginia's political landscape, what to look out for in the coming year, and how to best advocate to strengthen Virginia's child care system in 2023 and beyond. Thanks to our guest speakers, Voices for Virginia’s Children Chief Policy Officer Emily Griffey and Two Capitols Consulting Vice President Elizabeth Parker!
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BECOME A PROMISE ADVOCATE! |
If you haven't already, please consider joining us as a Promise Advocate - your efforts can create lasting change for our children and communities! Already joined? We need your help spreading the word. Please share with a family member, friend or colleague! For details, visit vapromisepartnership.com! |
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Richmond, VA 23229
United States
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