Staffing shortages are an ongoing issue that plagues child care providers across the country.
In New York state, providers continue to grapple with a 2020 drop of nearly 20% in available staff, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office.
“We’re talking about the lack of money of where it is in daycare, that we’re not able to pay the proper staffing, which leads to staff shortages,” said Katelyn Fredricks, a daycare director in upstate New York.
Spectrum News 1 recently spoke with Fredricks about pay disparities facing child care workers.
“I think what would help a lot is if there were grants for centers that are opened now because that would go a long way,” said Fredricks. “We would be able to get more supplies and give the staff the raises that they deserve.”
“We need to do things right now,” said state Sen. Rob Rolison (R- District 39).
In the wake of a series of roundtable discussions across the state, Republicans say their legislative agenda is focusing on how to make life more affordable for New Yorkers, including how to handle child care issues, from the cost to addressing the worker shortage.
Republicans are proposing allowing the Office of Children and Family Services to grant temporary staff to help during shortages.
And, to allow directors to serve as classroom staff during shortages without penalties.
Experts say current regulations require directors to serve only in an administrative role if a facility is licensed for 45 or more children.
“That’s the flexibility we need OCFS to allow because there are a lot of proposals, and these are proposals that are going to help the child care system,” said Rolison.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to OCFS for comment to see if this is something the office is considering and is waiting to hear back.