Alaska received over $95 million in federal stimulus money to stabilize its child care sector. With the loss of that money, some providers say they are forced to raise prices or risk closing all together.
provide $16 billion in funding for five years to make up for the loss. But lacking Republican support, the billIn Juneau, city-funded grants to child care programs have allowed businesses to increase worker pay from an average of $12 an hour in 2021 to $20 an hour, which has made a huge difference for programs being able to stay open, Shibler said.are also available to support the child care sector.
Those interviewed for this story said many of these efforts were welcome, but more long-term and immediate solutions were needed.“Without additional funding that’s sustainable and reliable, we’re going to continue to see programs close across the state,” Shibler said.Alaska’s child care crisis has been defined by persistently low wages: Across the state, the average pay for a child care worker isChild care businesses often operate at either a loss, or a very small profit, Shibler said.
Eubanks said that Hillcrest this winter, amid a sharp increase in cost of living and a lack of response to job postings, raised rates to $16 an hour “just to get applicants in the door.” Even that doesn’t feel like enough for her staff to afford reliable transportationChristina Eubanks, executive director at Hillcrest Children's Center, stands outside the child care center in Anchorage’s Government Hill neighborhood on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alaska Permanent Fund improves after money-losing year but withdrawals still exceed earningsThe corporation’s earnings need to average 5% plus the rate of inflation to be sustainable; over the past five years, the corporation hasn’t done that.
Read more »
Alaska Permanent Fund improves after money-losing year but withdrawals still exceed earningsThe corporation’s earnings need to average 5% plus the rate of inflation to be sustainable; over the past five years, the corporation hasn’t done that.
Read more »
Alaska’s fishing industry faces shrinking career interest from young peopleThe commercial fishing industry in Alaska is shrinking. Fewer young people are seeking a career in the industry due to high entry costs and climate change impacting fish stocks.
Read more »
Alaska congressional delegation takes concerns about Albertsons-Kroger merger to FTCU.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan wrote a joint letter Friday that the merger would reduce competition and likely lead to higher prices.
Read more »
Alaska Airlines adds new US nonstop destination from San DiegoThe flights departing from SAN mid-morning will arrive in Atlanta during the late afternoon, according to the airline.
Read more »