The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Center for Law and Social Policy held a webinar on Thursday, May 1st at 3 pm ET.
The role of Medicaid: Because child care is a historically underinvested system, many child care centers are unable to provide their professionals with affordable health insurance– this is where Medicaid steps in. Medicaid is a critical source of health coverage for eligible child care professionals who support early child development and care for children while parents work. Nationally, 13.2% of child care workers are uninsured. Child care workers living in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have a lower uninsured rate (7.4%)
What we will discuss: This webinar will dive into how Medicaid supports the child care workforce and through that, the early developmental stages of the millions of young children in their care. Panelists will discuss the already heavy strains on the child care system, the particular impact of Medicaid expansion, and how a healthy and supported workforce uplifts young children and families.
Speakers:
- Elisabeth Wright Burak – Senior fellow, Georgetown University Center for Children and Families
- Angel Cummings – Early childhood advocate, Virginia
- Daniel Hains – Chief Policy and Professional Advancement Officer, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Julie Kashen – Senior fellow and director for women’s economic justice, The Century Foundation
- Suzanne Wikle – Associate director for state health policy and advocacy, The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)