Supporting Affordable Child Care is Supporting Virginia’s Future

This year, lawmakers in Virginia have an opportunity to support children and families and protect the future of the Commonwealth. Several bills and budget proposals would expand access to affordable child care and set Virginia up for future success.

You have the opportunity to help Virginia children and families.

Send the letter below to your lawmakers TODAY and tell them to invest in child care!

Dear [Lawmaker],

I am writing to urge you to support increased investment in child care so more Virginia families can access the quality care services they need and can afford.

Affordable, quality child care remains out of reach for too many families. Today, only 42% of eligible families can access Virginia’s publicly funded child care programs, and 85% of households overall are priced out of care. When child care is unaffordable or unavailable, parents are forced to cut back on work, and children miss out on early learning opportunities that set them up for long-term success.

Strategic, ongoing investment – particularly in early educator compensation – would strengthen the child care workforce, expand capacity, and allow providers to serve more children each year. Supporting child care isn’t a one-time fix; it requires sustained commitment and funding to meet more families’ needs and keep costs within reach.

I urge you to support policies and investments that make child care more affordable for working families and ensure Virginia’s children get the strong start they deserve.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,
______

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