North Carolina Leaders Discuss 'Child-Care Crisis'

Childcare costs more than in-state college tuition, as state sees record loss of licensed programs.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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State and local leaders in North Carolina gathered to discuss the state's 'child-care crisis', which is taking a toll on communities. Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for North Carolinians, with infant care costing more than in-state college tuition per year. Since 2020, the state has seen a record loss of licensed childcare programs, and more than a quarter of parents have left the workforce to stay home and care for their children.

Why it matters

Access to affordable and quality childcare is a critical issue for families and the broader economy in North Carolina. The loss of licensed childcare programs and high costs are making it difficult for parents, especially working mothers, to remain in the workforce.

The details

Leaders discussed the need for fair compensation, health protections, and a retirement pathway for the childcare workforce. State Senator Sophia Chitlik co-authored a package of bills to make childcare more affordable, but the state budget remains unresolved. Senator Natalie Murdock emphasized the need for a sustainable childcare model and program.

  • Since 2020, North Carolina has seen a record loss of licensed childcare programs.
  • Durham County experienced a 14% drop in licensed childcare programs.

The players

DeeDee Fields

A former childcare provider who is demanding recognition, fair compensation, health protections, and a retirement pathway for the childcare workforce.

Nylah Jimerson

A parent who used to work as a nanny before becoming a parent and leaving the workforce to stay home and care for her children.

Sophia Chitlik

A State Senator who co-authored a package of bills aimed at making childcare more affordable in North Carolina.

Natalie Murdock

A State Senator who emphasized the need for a sustainable childcare model and program in North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“We're demanding recognition. We want fair compensation. We want health protections and a retirement pathway for the workforce that makes all the work possible.”

— DeeDee Fields, Former childcare provider

“I think a lot of people are making these tough choices about what makes the most sense for their family.”

— Nylah Jimerson, Parent

“The 'Child Care Omnibus' is part of a series of bills that have budget requirements and budget asks in them. But we're not going to know until we get a state budget. The most urgent and important thing, in addition to those subsidies, is raising the subsidy floor ... so I hope that there is bipartisan consensus that would be worked out in a state budget.”

— Sophia Chitlik, State Senator

“We have got to do something about childcare. We shouldn't be in this position ... we have to have a sustainable model and program because it's about our children.”

— Natalie Murdock, State Senator

What’s next

North Carolina could remain without a budget until the legislature is back in session in April, at which point the state budget and any potential childcare legislation will be further considered.

The takeaway

The 'child-care crisis' in North Carolina is a complex issue that is impacting families, the workforce, and the broader economy. Addressing the high costs, loss of licensed programs, and supporting the childcare workforce will require a comprehensive, bipartisan approach from state and local leaders.