WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, the government shutdown, caused by Republicans’ refusal to come to the table and negotiate, is already hurting families’ ability to access child care and is poised to do even more damage if Republicans cannot come into agreement. 

How the Shutdown Is Currently Hurting Families

The shutdown means that millions of workers are not getting paid–making it harder for families to buy groceries, pay rent, and pay for child care. On Friday 10/10, federal employees began to miss paychecks and Trump has sowed fear and confusion by claiming that some federal workers “don’t deserve” back pay. A self-described Republican military mom from Virginia pleaded with Speaker Mike Johnson last week, saying “I’m begging you to pass this legislation. My kids could die… As a Republican, I’m very disappointed in my party, and I’m very disappointed in you, because you do have the power to call the House back.” 

For many federal workers in the D.C. region, child care is “one of their biggest expenses” and are “now faced with tough choices: pulling children from daycare or falling behind on bills.” To ease federal workers’ burden, Rep. Illhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a bill last week to ensure that workers going without pay during the shutdown can be reimbursed for child care expenses incurred during the shutdown. 

The Trump administration is also using the shutdown as an opportunity to decimate federal programs that support families and young children. Last week, the administration issued reductions-in-force (RIF) to Department of Education staff that support programs that provide before- and after- school care and that support students with disabilities. In rural communities, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide afterschool care, are often the only child care options for many families. Firing the staff that run this program will have deep impacts on parents who depend on these services. The administration also fired almost all of the staff that support special education, which will make it harder for students with disabilities to receive the education they deserve. 

These actions also come on the heels of some states, including Arkansas, Ohio, and Indiana, making it harder for families to afford child care by reducing reimbursement rates for child care providers.

How a Continued Shutdown Will Harm Families

As the shutdown continues, child care centers and early educators around the country are going to feel the impacts. Over 100 Head Start programs are scheduled to receive grants on November 1, but if the shutdown continues and these grants cannot go out, tens of thousands of children and families that rely on Head Start could be impacted. The longer the shutdown goes on, the more likely that other programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, may be impacted–leaving families stranded without child care and food assistance. 

Republicans must come to the table and work in good faith to fund the government, uphold the law, and stop inflicting harm on American families. 

###

The Child Care for Every Family Network is the national movement and campaign to transform child care, representing 2000+ child care providers, impacted families, state and national organizations, and organizers across the country. Learn more: childcareforeveryfamily.org.