Source: Jessica Taylor, CBS Austin
January 29, 2021
This article asserts the issue of the state failing to consider child care providers as essential workers, as they have yet to receive COVID-19 vaccines. This is occurring alongside a push for public school teachers to get the vaccine. Many programs having had to shut their doors for good during the pandemic, and access to vaccines has been a problem throughout.
Many child care providers are considered low-income workers and lack high-quality health insurance. While some parents have been able to keep their children home during the pandemic, those who are considered essential workers rely on child care. This is an issue of equity and accessibility for child care providers, who carry an important responsibility to millions of children across Texas.