New documentary highlights urgent childcare challenges in NC

Local leaders gathered in Raleigh for the premiere of “Take Care,” a documentary on NC’s pressing childcare crisis.

Policymakers, employers, and local leaders gathered in Raleigh for the premiere of “Take Care,” a documentary highlighting North Carolina’s childcare crisis. The event sought to foster discussions on creating sustainable solutions that support children’s development, facilitate parental employment, and maintain business operations.

The film features narratives from families, childcare providers, teachers, and community leaders, illustrating the broad impact of childcare challenges. It addresses the urgency of finding collaborative solutions to the crisis.

About the documentary and premiere

Candace Witherspoon, acting director of the Division of Child Development and Early Education at the NC Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the film’s potential to rally various stakeholders toward resolving the issue.

The discussion panel, moderated by David Crabtree, CEO of PBS North Carolina, included key figures such as Debra Derr of the NC Chamber and Susan Gale Perry from Child Care Aware of America. Crabtree highlighted the documentary’s role in showcasing stories from across the state to inspire collective action.

About North Carolina’s childcare crisis

The crisis is exacerbated by low wages for childcare teachers, averaging $14 per hour, leading many to leave the profession. Consequently, childcare centers face closures or struggle with enrollment due to staff shortages, with 191 programs closing between January and August of this year. Additionally, the NC Chamber Foundation’s research noted significant workforce impacts, including parents leaving jobs and companies experiencing financial losses.

Watch it for free

The documentary is accessible for free on TakeCareNC.com, providing resources for community screenings and discussions. Produced by Neimand Collaborative and SeeBoundless, with funding from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, “Take Care” aims to catalyze dialogue and action toward a long-term resolution to the childcare crisis in North Carolina.

Read More About This
Read More North Carolina News

This article was created with the assistance of AI and edited by the Cardinal & Pine team.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: ‘I am a medical debt voter’: How a national nonprofit campaign is empowering NC voters impacted by medical debt