Care Economy

As the Wage and Hour Division observes National Home Care and Hospice Month and National Family Caregivers Month, we’re reaffirming our commitment to protecting healthcare workers’ rights year-round.

Child care is an essential need for parents in the workforce: People can’t work if they don’t have the security that their families are being cared for. Due to generations of underinvestment in the care economy, many families faced difficulties accessing and affording child care even prior to the pandemic.

Things are moving in the right direction, but there is still more to be done to ensure that workers of color have access to quality jobs and pathways to success.  

Emily Lambert is an early childhood educator/caregiver at the On Purpose Academy Mentoring and Learning Center in Dayton, Ohio. We asked Emily to share her experience as a caregiver and her perspective on what investments are needed to support caregivers.  

Chloe Morgan is a single mother of four boys, two of whom have special needs from Dayton, Ohio. We asked her to share why she believes affordable child care is essential.

Kim Jarvis is the founder, owner and executive director of On Purpose Academy and Mentoring Center in Dayton, Ohio. We asked Kim how affordable child care can support families.

Alvirleen Scott is an early childhood educator/caregiver. We asked Alvirleen to share her experience as a caregiver and her perspective on what investments are needed to support caregivers.

Grant Khanbalinov is a Navy veteran and champion for stronger systems and resources that support mental health. We asked Grant to share his personal experience with paid leave and why he believes it’s essential for everyone.    

Jessica Derby, child care program manager at Patagonia, shares her thoughts on the importance of child care and what kinds of investments we need to support America's families.

We asked Dr. Folbre to share more of her thoughts on the care economy – and what kind of investments will support America’s care infrastructure – as we continue to recover and build a more inclusive economy.