Oregon Faces Child Care Crisis: Call for Universal Solutions Amidst Widespread Shortages
Oregon is grappling with a severe child care crisis, as highlighted by the upcoming National Day Without Child Care. On May 11, child care providers across the state plan to shut down to protest the chronic underfunding of the sector. This action aims to draw attention to the dire need for universal child care solutions. Currently, 34 of Oregon's 36 counties are classified as child care deserts for infants and toddlers, with significant shortages for older children as well. The high cost of child care, unaffordable for most families, exacerbates the issue, forcing many parents to make difficult choices between work and child care. 
