Mary Coogan, President and CEO of Advocates for Children of New Jersey, joins Steve Adubato to examine affordable, accessible childcare and the need for stronger investment in mothers and children.
Adubato asks Coogan, what the number one childcare challenge in the state is at the end of 2024. Coogan responds, “Affordable childcare, in which you have workers who are paid a wage that keeps them at that childcare center. Centers are struggling to find staff that will stay, and parents are trying to find childcare centers that they can afford.”
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Investing in mothers, children, and child care is crucial for the overall well-being and development of a society. In New Jersey, the State of Affairs has conducted a comprehensive analysis of investments in these areas to understand the current state of affairs and identify areas for improvement.
According to the analysis, New Jersey has made significant investments in programs and services aimed at supporting mothers, children, and child care. These investments include funding for maternal and child health programs, early childhood education initiatives, and child care subsidies for low-income families.
However, despite these investments, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One key issue highlighted in the analysis is the lack of access to affordable and high-quality child care services. Many families in New Jersey struggle to find affordable child care options, which can have a negative impact on both parents’ ability to work and children’s development.
Additionally, the analysis found that there are disparities in access to maternal and child health services across different communities in New Jersey. Minority and low-income families often face barriers to accessing quality health care services, which can lead to negative health outcomes for both mothers and children.
To address these challenges, the State of Affairs recommends increasing investments in programs that support mothers, children, and child care. This includes expanding access to affordable child care options, increasing funding for maternal and child health services, and implementing policies that promote equity and access to services for all families.
Overall, investing in mothers, children, and child care is essential for building a strong and healthy society. By prioritizing these investments, New Jersey can ensure that all families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.