Gotta Have Childcare | Virginia needs affordable, quality child care

Quality, affordable childcare impacts children, families, and our communities.

Over the last few years, Virginia has made significant progress in expanding child care access and choice. Despite historic investments in Virginia’s early childhood care and education system in the FY25-26 biennial budget, there is a gap in funding for demand beyond FY24 enrollment levels. Sustained state investment in quality child care services is critical to supporting school-ready children, work-ready parents, and a thriving economy.

The Problem:

Despite historic investments in Virginia’s early childhood care and education (ECCE) system in the FY25-26 biennial budget, there is a gap in funding for demand beyond FY24 enrollment levels. As of November 2024, more than 11,000 children sit on waitlists across the Commonwealth. This funding gap has serious consequences for children’s school readiness and parents’ ability to work.

The Facts:

85%

of Households Priced Out

According to a recent report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, infant childcare is already unaffordable for 85% of Virginia households.

$3.1 Billion

Lost Annually in Virginia

The lack of accessible and affordable infant-toddler care in Virginia costs taxpayers $3.1 billion annually in foregone wages, lost productivity, and unrealized tax revenue.

42%

are able to access the state’s child care programs

Despite Virginia’s bold commitment to increasing access, only 42% of eligible families estimated to need publicly-funded child care are able to access the state’s child care programs.

The Solution:

#gottahavechildcare

To fully realize the potential of Virginia’s children, families, and economy, policymakers must make sustained investments to maintain and support increasing parent demand for affordable, quality childcare services for Virginia’s working families.