WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced her cosponsorship of H.R. 7355, the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to address the ongoing workforce shortage that has contributed to the skyrocketing cost of childcare services. Specifically, the bill would invest in career and technical education (CTE) programs and incentivize more students to enter the early childhood workforce upon graduation.

“As a working mom of four, I’m familiar with many of the challenges Southeast Virginia families face – especially when it comes to childcare,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “The unfortunate reality is that two out of every five parents struggle to find affordable childcare, often forcing them to leave the workforce, tap into their savings, or take on debt. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Kuster in investing in the next generation of childcare providers so that parents don’t have to make difficult trade-offs between their careers, financial stability, and family life. I’m hopeful our colleagues will support this important bill and look forward to continuing to help our communities expand affordable childcare services for hardworking families.”

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 74% of childcare centers in Virginia were experiencing staffing shortages in 2021. Roughly 20% of those centers were unable to open classrooms due to the lack of staff. According to a recent survey from childcare platform Care.com, the average cost to enroll a child in a licensed day care can cost $16,692 annually in 2024, or $321 a week for just one child. Recent reports show childcare costs are even outpacing record-high inflation.

The Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act would help childcare providers find and retain early childhood educators, relieving pressure on an already strained childcare sector and increasing access to childcare services for families. Specifically, it would:

• Award grants to eligible partnerships such as institutions of higher education, childcare providers, or relevant workforce training programs with schools; and
• Establish, expand, or support career and technical education and career pathway programs of study in early childhood education. 

The full bill text is available here.

This bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the Association of Career and Technical Education, AdvanceCTE, First Five Years Fund, ZERO TO THREE, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Save the Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Partnership for Women & Families, Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC), First Focus Campaign for Children, Child Care Aware, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Education Association (NEA), NEA-NH, Children’s Defense Fund, and Midwest Urban Strategies.

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