Tiffany Gale: Advocates organize as legislature fails to address child care (Opinion)

In a disheartening turn of events, the West Virginia Legislature has failed to pass any child care bills, but most notably House Bill 4797, which sought to reimburse child care providers based on the enrollment of children rather than the daily attendance. This failure to address crucial child care issues represents a significant setback for families across the state, particularly in the realm of workforce participation.

House Bill 4797 was a vital piece of legislation designed to reform the way child care providers are reimbursed. By shifting reimbursement to be based on enrollment rather than attendance, the bill aimed to provide stability and financial security to child care facilities, which in turn provides stability for workers and their respective employers. This change would have relieved providers from the burden of uncertain revenue streams, ensuring that they could continue to offer high-quality care without the fear of financial instability, closing classrooms and closing facilities as a whole.

The importance of such legislation cannot be overstated, especially in the context of workforce participation. Access to affordable and reliable child care is a significant factor, influencing parents’ ability to join or remain in the workforce. According to Team for WV Children and Child Care Aware of America, 42.6% of children who need child care in West Virginia cannot access it. Without adequate child care options, many parents, especially mothers, are forced to choose between their careers and caring for their children. This dilemma often results in individuals, particularly women, being forced to exit the workforce or being unable to fully engage in their professional lives, ultimately hindering economic growth and perpetuating disparities in the workforce.