Systemic Barriers to Quality Child Care: Unpacking the Interplay of Policy, Funding, and Educator Support
Original framing: “Good-quality child care? What parents should consider, and how it can be assessed” — The Conversation - Global
The history of child care policy is marked by a series of neoliberal reforms that have prioritized market-driven solutions over community-based approaches. This has led to a proliferation of for-profit child care centers that prioritize profit over people, resulting in poor quality care and inadequate support for educators. By examining the historical context of child care policy, we can begin to understand the root causes of these problems and develop more effective solutions.
The child care system in many Western countries is rooted in colonialism and the erasure of Indigenous cultures.
By centering Indigenous perspectives and practices, we can begin to address the historical trauma and intergenerational harm that has been inflicted on Indigenous communities through the child care system. This requires a fundamental shift in how we approach child care, prioritizing community-driven and culturally responsive practices over market-driven solutions. By investing in educator support and development, prioritizing public funding, and centering the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, we can create a more equitable and supportive child care system that meets the needs of all children and families.