Some Minnesota child cares closed Monday to call for more state funding

Hundreds of Minnesota child care providers, teachers and families were expected to keep their centers closed on Monday to underscore the need for more state funding to make child care more affordable and boost wages for staff.

Lydia Pietruszewski, co-founder and director of two Bemidji-area early childhood centers and a leader with the coalition Kids Count on Us, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition early Monday to talk about the “Day Without Childcare” effort.

Despite high demand, especially in greater Minnesota, Pietruszewski said the economics of child care are broken. “About 85 to 90 percent of what families are paying goes to directly to staff wages and sometimes benefits, so that’s hard to make that a feasible business.”

She urged support for bipartisan legislation at the Capitol that would expand early learning scholarships and make them accessible to more families.

“Day Without Childcare” supporters expected about 100 child care centers across the state would keep their doors closed for the day. While disruptive, parents and families are supportive,” Pietruszewski said.

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player button.

• July jobs report: Minnesota economy strong but slowing as shifting federal policy creates uncertainty
• No widespread drought in Minnesota for first time in recent memory
• A photo of her grandmother in moccasins sparked Cindy Godin Hamilton’s artistic awakening
• Morning Announcements for Aug. 14