Big Job, Tiny Budget: Child Care in America  

Playtime is an essential part of Cassandra Freer’s career.

Tammy James spent 25 years running a home-based childcare center in Arkansas – so she knows investing in kids starts with investing in the people who care for them.  

But state funding cuts are stretching providers far too thin.  

“Finding and training qualified staff on a shoestring budget is always a struggle,” says Tammy. “Families who qualify for assistance are sitting on a waitlist of over 3,400 children.” 

But she points to a deeper problem, too: Early learning is chronically undervalued.  

“Providers don’t open their doors at 7:00 and shut them at 5:30,” she continues. “They spend time cleaning, prepping menus, lesson planning and so much more.” 

Through her work with the Northwest Arkansas Family Child Care Association (NWAFCCA), Tammy is lightening the load with training, mentorship, professional development and community resources.  

Today, NWAFCCA sponsors 47 home childcare centers that provide early childhood education and nutritious meals to more than 600 kids.  

“There’s something powerful about seeing a child go from dependent to confident and capable.” 

Tammy’s vision is an Arkansas where families can access care, providers can sustain their businesses and kids get the high-quality support they deserve. That means better compensation, realistic career pathways and streamlined regulations. 

“The gap between what’s needed and what’s available is what drives me to speak up,” she shares. “Real progress is possible if we continue to stay engaged.”  

Together, we can stand with advocates like Tammy. Urge your lawmakers to invest in child care!