Op-Ed: Affordable Childcare for Teachers

Over eighty percent of educators in Tennessee are female. Affordable childcare is in high demand, and there is limited availability for childcare. For many families, including teachers and educators, finding affordable childcare can be a significant challenge.

Childcare waiting lists can be frustrating for all parents seeking a spot in a daycare center, preschool, or other facility. Educators often find themselves frustrated and stressed due to waiting lists. Eliminating these barriers can greatly reduce the burden on teachers, allowing them to focus on what really matters - educating and nurturing our future generation.

The result of these childcare challenges is that some teachers may decide to leave the profession to seek better-paying jobs or positions with a more manageable work-life balance, which can have a negative impact on the education system. We lose excellent teachers annually due to this issue.

The reasons for this challenge can vary depending on the educator, location, and individual circumstances. In many cases, family members, trusted friends as caregivers, and co-op arrangements with other parents are simply not feasible.

Childcare costs can be high, particularly in cities. Waiting lists and limited affordable options can make it difficult for parents. Affordable care doesn't always mean high-quality care, which can worry parents about their child's education and well-being. While there are government assistance programs and subsidies for childcare in some areas, they may not cover all costs, and some families---especially educators may not qualify.

Many teachers, especially in Tennessee, receive relatively low salaries compared to their education and responsibilities. Affordable childcare can be a substantial portion of their income, making it difficult to make ends meet. Many teachers have student loans or debt from their own education, which can add to their financial stress and make affordable childcare even more critical.

Teaching often involves long and irregular hours, which can make finding affordable childcare especially challenging. Balancing work and childcare can be a complicated process, especially if there are no affordable and easily accessible transportation options.

It is a challenge to find childcare that is affordable yet safe, secure, and convenient, ensuring the well-being of the children of educators. Teachers typically have breaks in their calendars which can also create additional difficulties in finding affordable year-round childcare. Schools and districts infrequently offer flexible work arrangements. Teachers cannot adjust their work hours to better align with childcare needs like other professions.

Addressing the issue of childcare for teachers usually requires a range of measures, including policy changes, boosting teacher salaries, and providing more affordable and accessible childcare options, such as on-site daycare facilities at schools or government subsidies to cover teacher childcare costs. Putnam County is a prime example of how this task can be achieved successfully.

We strongly urge the state of Tennessee and local school districts and schools to create and implement plans to tackle this pressing childcare problem as soon as possible. It is crucial to acknowledge the value of teachers in society and offer support, such as affordable childcare, to retain talented educators in the profession.