The documentary "Take Care" sheds light on the stark reality of North Carolina's child care system and its direct fault lines, capturing the accounts of families, providers, teachers, and leaders impacted by what is quickly becoming an alarming crisis. A premiere in Raleigh convened by state and community figures aired these challenges and subsequent discussion, taking definitive steps towards a search for solutions. According to NC Department of Health and Human Services, the documentary underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts aimed at resolving the widening gap in child care-related issues.
Candace Witherspoon, acting director of the Division of Child Development and Early Education at the NC Department of Health and Human Services, expressed urgency in finding common ground to address this issue. "This film makes our child care crisis real for people and demonstrates that North Carolinians — whether they’re parents, employers, teachers or elected officials — want us to come together to finally solve this critical issue for the working families of North Carolina," she said in a statement. Notably, the crisis has led to the closure of 191 child care programs across the state in less than a year.
On the front lines of this crisis are the child care teachers, who are leaving the profession in alarming numbers. An average wage of $14 per hour can't compete with retail positions offering better pay, leaving child care centers understaffed or completely shuttered. Gabriella Kira McClure, an early childhood teacher, shared in the documentary, "I feel like knowing that teachers aren't going to get paid very much for this job, it's a huge deterrent. If you're having to pay off your student loans or pay for housing, gas, groceries, all of these things, you want to find a job that can be able to support your livelihood."
The ripple effect of this crisis impacts not only families but also the broader economy. Research by the NC Chamber Foundation shows parents are being forced out of the workforce or missing out on career progression due to the scarcity of reliable child care, costing the state and employers billions. "If the early care programs start closing, we know the ramifications behind that," Parnell Bryant, Human Resource Director at Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, told NC Department of Health and Human Services during the documentary. The economic stakes underline the necessity for immediate, collective intervention.
David Crabtree, journalist and CEO of PBS North Carolina, highlighting the issue, moderated the post-screening discussion with key figures such as Debra Derr, director of government affairs with the NC Chamber, and Susan Gale Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware of America. Crabtree emphasized, "By showcasing this issue, we hope to inspire action and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure a bright future for our children, families and the communities of our state."
