Researcher(s)
- Hailey Miraldi, Sociology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jenifer Bouek, Sociology, University of Delaware
Abstract
Access to affordable childcare is essential for family economic stability, child development, and workforce participation, yet many families face significant barriers to obtaining subsidized childcare. Prior research has shown that the high cost of childcare exacerbates income inequality and disproportionately burdens low-income families (Gonalons-Pons & Marinescu, 2024). Additionally, waitlists for childcare subsidies function as a redistributive policy, determining which families receive limited public resources while leaving many eligible children without services (Bouek, 2023). Despite the importance of childcare assistance, relatively little research has examined how access to childcare vouchers varies across racial, geographic, and demographic groups especially within North Carolina.
This study investigates how the distribution of childcare welfare vouchers differs by county racial composition, poverty level, and other demographic characteristics. Using publicly available administrative data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), demographic data from the National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS), and an extensive review of existing literature, this research compares patterns of childcare funding, waitlists, expenditures, and service availability across counties.
Prior analyses describe disparities in waitlist size, funding allocation, and the proportion of children served among counties with different racial and socioeconomic characteristics. Ongoing analyses will further evaluate whether current funding patterns align with community needs. This research contributes to the limited literature on the equity of childcare welfare distribution and provides evidence that can inform future policy decisions regarding childcare funding. Ultimately, these findings may help policymakers identify underserved communities and improve access to high-quality early childhood education throughout North Carolina.