On Monday, March 3, Wilder’s Child Development Center in Minnesota joined childcare providers across the state in “A Day Without Child Care,” a nationwide action calling for increased funding and improved wages in the childcare sector. The event, organized by the coalition Kids Count on Us, saw participation from over 500 childcare centers, with rallies and activities held in multiple cities, including St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester.
At Wilder’s Child Development Center, teachers and families gathered to make signs and participate in a march, amplifying their voices on the urgent need for more public investment in early childhood education. The movement seeks to push for policy changes, including more funding for Early Learning Scholarships and increased wages for childcare professionals. Advocates argue that quality child care should be accessible to all, not a financial burden consuming nearly a quarter of a single parent’s income.
Angela Clair, Wilder’s director of early childhood services, emphasized that child care is a universal issue affecting businesses, workers, and families alike. “We love what we do. It’s a joy to watch our children learn and grow” Clair shares, “but early educators deserve a livable wage, and centers need to be able to retain their staff with good pay and benefits.”
Wilder has long championed accessible, high-quality child care, recognizing its essential role in family stability and economic growth. Through advocacy, partnerships, and direct support, the organization has continuously pushed for better funding, policy reforms, and fair wages for educators. By participating in “A Day Without Child Care,” Wilder reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of financial barriers, have access to early education opportunities.
