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Michigan economy faces lack of childcare when reopening

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A new report suggests restarting Michigan’s economy will face a serious roadblock – a lack of child care.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children estimates that 41% of Michigan’s licensed child care slots will be lost. Many providers don’t have the money or staff to reopen.

Simon Workman is the director of Early Childhood Policy at the Center for American Progress.  He said many child care operators were barely breaking even before the pandemic.

“The idea of doing that with even less revenue after this...just too many providers will have to close their doors because they just won’t be able to afford to do it.”

Workman said to meet the need for child care. The federal government needs to make a long-term investment in child care workers and infrastructure. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.