
Making Early Childhood Education More Affordable and Accessible in
Wilson County
Introduction
Early childhood education provides an essential foundation for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Numerous studies have shown that children who receive quality early education are better prepared for school and are more likely to succeed later in life. However, despite the clear benefits, many families face significant barriers to accessing affordable and high-quality early childhood education. In Wilson County, this is a significant challenge. The rising costs and limited availability of childcare centers have made it difficult for many families to provide their children with the early educational opportunities they need. Addressing these issues of affordability and accessibility is essential for ensuring that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have an equal opportunity to thrive. Our cohort explored potential strategies for making early childhood education more affordable and accessible in Wilson County, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for both children and the community as a whole.
Taking a Closer Look at Affordability & Accessibility
Affordability
Families should have access to affordable childcare options without being burdened by the rising costs. Options like subsidies, sliding scale fees, or financial assistance programs can help ensure that childcare is financially accessible to all regardless of income.
Accessibility
Ensuring that all families, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographic location, or individual needs, have equitable access to high-quality, affordable childcare services that support the healthy development and well-being of children.
Childcare Affordability Factors
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There are various factors when considering costs associated with childcare, such as the age of the child, location of the facility, quality of childcare, type of center, availability of childcare (supply and demand), and surrounding income demand.
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Age of the child: Childcare costs typically decrease as children get older. Infants need more one-on-one attention and specialized care, which tends to be more expensive. As children grow, their care requirements become less demanding, often leading to reduced costs.
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Location of the facility: The geographic area where the childcare facility resides can significantly impact childcare costs. Childcare facilities within city limits tend to have higher overhead expenses, which can be reflected in their fees. On the other hand, centers outside city limits may offer more competitive rates.
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Quality of childcare: Higher quality care is more expensive since these centers tend to pay their staff more competitive wages, invest in high quality resources, and maintain program standards.
Childcare Accessibility Factors
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The supply and demand dynamics play a crucial role in determining childcare costs. In areas where demand exceeds supply, and there are fewer providers, childcare services are often more expensive due to increased competition for spots and higher operational costs. On the other hand, areas with a greater number of childcare options usually see more competitive pricing.
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A family’s income level can significantly impact childcare costs. Many programs offer sliding scale fees based on income, which means you may pay a reduced rate if your income falls within a certain range. Additionally, various subsidies and government programs can provide financial assistance to help lower out-of-pocket expenses for childcare.
Types of Childcare Centers
Church-Based
Centers
Employer-Based
Centers
Private
Centers
In-Home
Centers
Privately operated centers or individuals providing childcare services.
There are currently 27 DHHS licensed centers in Wilson County
Care provided in a caregiver's home or in the child's own home by a nanny or au pair.
There are currently 5 In-Home DHHS licensed centers operating in Wilson County
Operated by churches or religious organizations, often incorporating faith-based activities.
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Currently only 1 DHHS licensed Church- based canter operating in Wilson County, however some choose to operate independently
Provided by an employer for employees' children, often at or near the workplace.
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There are no DHHS licensed Employer-Based centers currently operating in Wilson County
Accessibility Data
3
33
3,347
registered childcare facilities in Wilson County
types of centers that exists in Wilson County
licensed spots in Wilson County
Map of Childcare Centers in Wilson County

2023-2028 Population Estimations Compound Annual Growth Rate

Household Income Less that $75,000 / Year (2023 Census Data)

Median Income Less that $75,000 / Year (2023 Census Data)

Affordability Data
$8,733
$48,800
17.89%
Average cost of childcare for one child in Wilson County
Average household income in Wilson County
For a household consisting of two adults and one child, almost eighteen percent of their annual income will be spent on childcare.

On average, childcare expenses represent about 11% to 18% of median income. When comparing childcare costs to the median income by county, Wilson County aligns closely with its neighboring counties and faces similar challenges.
Current Working Models
Find out what employers and communities can do and are doing to help combat childcare affordability, accessibility and workforce issues.
Affordability
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Employers can offer a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) to help employees pay for eligible dependent care services.
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Employers can offer vouchers directly to employees to use at preferred child care providers.​
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In Michigan, cross-sector leaders on the state’s Women’s Commission who heard of childcare concerns from their parent employees launched the MI Tri-Share program. The program relies on businesses to cover a third of the cost of eligible employees’ childcare. The other two-thirds is split between the employee and the state.
Accessibility
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Companies can provide on-site child care facilities for employees for a low or subsidized cost. SAS and Bandwidth, two companies located in the Triangle, currently provide this service to their employees.
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Employers can research existing childcare options in the community and provide a childcare directory for employees.
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In Charlotte, the Reimagining Vintage Office Design Competition, which challenged the community to think of ways to transform outdated office spaces, had a winning proposal that included adding a childcare facility to the One Wells Fargo Center.
Workforce
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Many of our NC Community College's have Early Childhood Education program with some even having on-site facilities to help educate and train students.
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NCDHHS has been working to attract and retain early childhood teachers. In 2023, NCDHHS announced that early childhood teachers can apply for Credit for Prior Learning based on knowledge and skills gained from training and work experience.
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Additionally, programs have been made available for high school students to attract new workers to the field. Through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program, eligible high school students can attend community college classes and earn college credit and credentials tuition free.