RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A new 21-minute documentary called Take Care North Carolina is shedding light on the challenges of early childhood education in the state. It is shining a light on the quality of childcare and how this crisis is hurting everyone, including children, childcare teachers, families, and our economy.
“I think we have to be more strategic about our investments and look at long-term solutions so we can make sure we have a strong foundation for our childcare businesses to sustain,” said Candance Witherspoon, Acting Division Director of Child Development and Early Education.
Educators say recruiting good talent is only possible for centers with better salary funding.
“It’s an average of about 12 dollars an hour,” said Leaf Spring Schools Director Rhonda Rivers.
She, along with other directors, watched the premiere of the documentary Wednesday night in Raleigh, which showcases the hard truths of recruitment and retaining good educators.
“There are so many people with different level degrees, but they’re leaving the profession for better-paying jobs,” said Little Believer’s Academy Director Cassandra Brooks.
They all agree that you can’t entice good teachers to take a job or even stay without funding. They all agree it’s time for the state and federal government to invest more in early childhood education.
“It has been proven in research that great cognitive development is from birth to five years of age,” said Rivers.
Brooks remembers making sacrifices for her own children.
“As a mother myself, I had to sacrifice for my children. I would drive outside of my area so my child could go to a really good school. I had to sacrifice time and gas,” said Brooks.
Parents hope this message will lead to more funding for childcare centers “so that they can build their employees up to grow their centers so there are more family choices,” said parent Catie Hollis.
The documentary is intended to spark discussion and spur action to solve North Carolina’s crisis. You can watch the documentary online here.