Gov. Meyer meets with childcare leaders

MILFORD, Del. – Childcare was the topic of discussion for Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Thursday as he toured several facilities throughout the state.

At Beach Babies Child Care, Governor Meyer took time out of his busy schedule to read to children at the facility.

But he was also there to discuss issues impacting child care in the state.

One of the biggest worries he said he heard from providers and families was affordability.

“It’s hard, $375 a week to come here, we were at another childcare facility earlier this morning where it’s $16,000 a year, after we got in the car and were saying that there are a number of colleges that don’t charge that for tuition,” said Gov. Meyer.

The governor said it is important to establish equity across the economic spectrum and make sure child care is not just for the richest of the rich.

Another topic of discussion among childcare leaders was workforce development.

“I think workforce development is really hard, making sure that there’s staff available, qualified staff it’s really important,” said Meyer. “I know as a parent of a one-year-old, who I entrust my one-year-old to spend time with, it’s formative, it has a tremendous impact.”

Looking ahead, Governor Meyer said supporting parents who are paying for childcare will also be important.

“We got to do whatever we can to make sure we support parents,” he said. “I got to be honest from my vantage point, it’s getting harder not easier, some of the things we’re hearing, the threats in terms of funding from the federal government.”

Following the visit, the Governor sat in on a roundtable discussion with a group of first state childcare leaders.