A rally was held outside Danbury Library yesterday by United Way of Western Connecticut and its network of Cora’s Kids child care providers. It was one of 8 rallies across the state as part of Child Care for Connecticut’s Future, a statewide coalition, effort to shine a light on the importance of affordable, quality child care.
United Way President Isabel Almeida says across Connecticut, including in Danbury, 44 percent of residents live in a child care desert where there are not enough child care options. For 80 percent of parents, the cost of child care is unaffordable.
United Way launched Cora’s Kids in 2018 in Danbury and New Milford to increase the number of licensed family child care providers so parents will have safe, affordable care for their children while they work. As of January, United Way has provided support to more than 50 child care providers, creating more than 318 child care spots in greater Danbury and New Milford.
The Coalition is supporting legislation that would invest $700 million in the upcoming State budget for child care and early education. The funds would be used to support child care educators and extend free or low cost care to families who need it most. This is the first step in a five-year plan to ensure every family has access to free or low-cost care, and every child care provider is paid a fair wage.
