Madison Mattise, the senior director of Early Childhood Center Services at United Way for Greater Austin, broke down the issues child care providers face.
Many child care providers are having a hard time filling positions, putting extra pressure on the workers they already have. The struggle for many families to find affordable child care is not unique to Central Texas – it's a problem statewide.
"Since the pandemic, that has been super hard. Now that everybody – I feel like everyone just kind of, you know, raised salaries and just everybody's trying to get workers," said Alejandra Gardner, director of House of Little Angels Learning Center."We try to also remain affordable so that our parents can feel like you're getting good quality care.
"Sometimes, it gets a little crazy. I'm like, 'Oh my gosh.' Like, 'I'm just trying to get through the book,'" Gloria said."At the same time, it's like, you know, they're interested. At least I have their interest." WorkForce Solutions offers wage stipends to boost child care workers' salaries with funding from the city of Austin and Travis County. "There's too much red tape," Gardner said."I would love to be able to offer that to my staff. I know they could use it, but I can't."
WorkForce Solutions used"American Rescue Plan Act" funds to help more workers get the stipend, going from 160 workers in 2022 to 444 in 2023. But those funds won't last. "When I get into office, the first thing I want to do, on the very first day, is I want to create a blue ribbon task force that will focus on child care. Because I want Austin to be the best city in America to raise a kid," Watson said the night he was elected.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MTA touts low crime at Grand Central Madison in bid for retail storesMTA touts low crime at Grand Central Madison in bid for retail stores
Read more »
MTA looking to fill empty spaces inside Grand Central Madison with restaurants and storesProposals are due in June, but officials say commuters will likely start to see stores open in 2025, with hopes of a full concourse by 2026.
Read more »
MTA seeks 'master' vendor for retail development at Grand Central MadisonThe MTA is seeking a master vendor to manage retail at Grand Central Madison — hoping to turn the new East Side Long Island Rail Road terminal into a
Read more »
MTA eyes future of dining, retail at new Grand Central Madison terminalTuesday morning's announcement is being followed by a panel discussion on jobs and the importance of retail in transportation.
Read more »
6 tornadoes confirmed in North, Central Texas, NWS saysSix tornadoes were confirmed in North and Central Texas as thunderstorms blew through the regions on Friday.
Read more »
How new EPA rules may impact one controversial Central Texas power plantThe new regulations could have implications for the city of Austin, which co-owns a large coal project with the Lower Colorado River Authority.
Read more »