Policy Brief: Investing in Child Care Brings Gains for Providers and Children

This brief incorporates findings from the P/PV reportInvesting in Low-Wage Workers: Lessons from Family Child Care in Rhode Island; it also relies on interviews with advocates and providers in Rhode Island, as well as experts around the country. The brief argues that investments in family child care providers reaped big rewards in Rhode Island -- for providers and, by extension, the children they serve. Increases in reimbursement rates boosted the availability of subsidized child care, raised average incomes in the field and lifted many workers out of poverty. Other states may benefit from an examination of the Rhode Island experience, as they consider strategies to improve family day care (and other employment sectors).