Sec. 5C-101. Legislative findings

child care capacity in the County has been declining in recent years, down five percent (5%) between 2022 and 2025;

the cost of child care in the County has been increasing, going up over 20% between 2017 and 2025

duplicative State and County inspection requirements can prove challenging for operators of child care programs and before and after-school care programs, delaying or preventing the addition of new child care capacity in the County;

public buildings can efficiently provide desirable and affordable locations for child care programs and after-school care programs;

early childhood education in child care is critical in fostering holistic development, establishing a foundation for lifelong learning, and nurturing essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills before kindergarten;

access to affordable child care boosts local economic stability by enabling parents to join or remain in the workforce, supports healthy childhood development and school readiness while reducing family stress; and

County investment in expanding the availability of child care will yield high returns through increased productivity and future economic contributions.