The struggle to find quality child care is forcing more women to leave their jobs or not return to the workforce, according to a recent report by the Council from a Strong America, which shows 19% of mothers in New Jersey with young children left the workforce because they couldn’t find quality child care. Currently, the number of women working is the lowest it has been in the state in more than 30 years.
Gov. Phil Murphy is hoping to ease some of these issues by dedicating $700 million in funding to day care centers. It’s part of the state’s $6.2 billion received from the American Rescue Plan. The goal is to help lower costs for families as well as give day care providers the financial support they need to retain and hire staff.
