Founder of Connecticut Childcare Center Reflects on Challenges of Early Childhood Education
Julie Clark, the co-founder of the CAST Preschool and Childcare Center in Woodbury, Connecticut, recently sold the center after running it for over 30 years. Clark’s goal was to create a community rather than just a school, and some of the parents of her students had even attended the center themselves as kids.
Clark discussed the challenges faced by the childcare industry, such as low wages for educators, labor shortages, and the high cost of care. She has been advocating for increased government funding for early childhood education and believes that it is crucial not only for teachers and business owners but also for the overall economy. While the American Rescue Plan bill provided temporary relief to childcare centers during the pandemic, many may now be forced to close or make cuts as the funding ends.
The cost of childcare is a significant concern for parents, with data from the Department of Labor showing that it can be thousands of dollars a year. Clark’s center had to increase its tuition over the years. Allison Robinson, the founder and CEO of The Mom Project, emphasizes that parents need to view childcare as an investment in their careers, considering the opportunity cost of stay-at-home parenting. Access to quality care is also limited, with many families facing childcare deserts.
Staffing is another challenge for childcare centers, with many struggling to find enough teachers. Clark had to get creative by offering free childcare to young mothers in need. As the funding cliff approaches, centers may resort to increasing rates or closing classrooms to stay operational, which can make it even harder for parents to find care, especially for infants and toddlers who require a specific teacher-to-child ratio.
Despite the dedication and passion of early childhood educators, their wages often do not reflect the importance of their work. Clark acknowledges that she was unable to pay her teachers what they deserved and hopes that the new owner will prioritize adequate compensation. The median wage for childcare workers is significantly lower than the national average for all occupations.
In addition to the challenges of running the center, Clark was also diagnosed with cancer in 2019. This, along with wanting to spend quality time with her husband and uncertainty due to the pandemic, led her to ultimately decide to sell the business. Clark’s experience highlights the need for increased support and funding for the childcare industry to ensure quality care, fair wages for educators, and affordable options for families.
