Child care industry calls for help.

• Author: Campbell, Colin
• Position: NC TREND >>> Public affairs

A legislative oversight committee recently heard details of a "fiscal cliff" that could affect child care centers next year.

That's because the centers--which were dealing with staff shortages well before the pandemic--are currently receiving millions in temporary federal dollars that have allowed them to offer more generous wages without big tuition increases for parents.

That funding ends next year, leading industry advocates to warn of a looming shortfall. "The number one barrier to expanding quality licensed child care is a child care workforce crisis," said Sherry Melton, advocacy director for the N.C. Licensed Child Care Association. She said the problem will require financial and regulatory help from both the state and...