A coalition in Maine is rallying to safeguard millions of dollars in funding for child care programs, warning that proposed budget cuts could have severe consequences for families and providers across the state.
The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MaineAEYC) has raised concerns about potential reductions to the Child Care Salary Supplement Award Program. These cuts, part of the state’s biennial budget proposal, could slash annual wages for child care workers by approximately $2,000. Additionally, the group warns that broader funding cuts could impact services for nearly 200 children.
Jennifer Michaud, owner of Kids Cove child care center, emphasized the critical role of the salary supplement program. “This bonus has allowed me, as a business owner, to hire and retain highly qualified staff,” Michaud said. “If these cuts go through, it will significantly affect the quality of care children receive in our centers.”
The proposed budget also includes a $2.5 million reduction in funding that helps child care professionals afford care for their own children. Advocates argue that this cut could further strain an already struggling workforce, making it harder for providers to stay in the field.
MaineAEYC and its supporters are now urging lawmakers to reconsider the proposed cuts, stressing the importance of stable funding for maintaining high-quality child care services across the state. They warn that without adequate support, both families and child care providers could face significant challenges in the years ahead.
The debate over the budget comes as Maine, like many states, grapples with a shortage of child care options and rising costs for families. Advocates say protecting these programs is essential to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality care for working parents and their children.
As budget discussions continue, the group plans to lobby legislators and raise public awareness about the potential impact of the cuts. Their goal is to secure the funding needed to sustain Maine’s child care system and support the professionals who play a vital role in early childhood education.
