Waterbury rally highlights push for universal childcare in Connecticut
Connecticut parents, childcare workers, and advocates gathered in Waterbury on Monday, calling for universal childcare and urging lawmakers to take action as rising costs strain families.
Dozens rallied on the Waterbury Green as part of a nationwide push to make childcare more accessible and affordable. Supporters said universal childcare would provide critical relief for working families and strengthen the economy.
For parents like Taniqua Ocasio, access to childcare would be life-changing.
“It gives me the time to go ahead and look for jobs. Everything. Yes. We need that childcare,” Ocasio said.
Many parents at the rally said the high cost of childcare, averaging about $300 a week in Connecticut, is taking a significant toll. Some said they have been forced to move back in with family just to manage expenses.
“I wasn’t able to afford my own home and things like that to be able to pay for childcare for my children,” Chelsey Harris said.
Advocates and families said they are sending a clear message to state and federal leaders: Childcare is essential infrastructure that supports both families and the workforce.
Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman, with Child Care for CT, said universal childcare should be treated as a public good.
“It should be a public good. Right now, it’s not,” Bermúdez Zimmerman said.
Supporters argue that expanding access would allow more parents to remain in the workforce without worrying about missing shifts due to childcare challenges.
“The return on investment means our economy keeps moving forward and that we have more opportunities in the workforce, so it’s time that we do it now,” Bermúdez Zimmerman said.
Bermúdez Zimmerman pointed to Connecticut’s $300 million investment in the early childhood endowment as a step forward, helping fund programs like Early Start CT that provide free or low-cost childcare. Still, she said more action is needed at the federal level.
“The return on investment for every dollar spent on childcare is $16. It’s almost like why should we not do childcare?” Bermúdez Zimmerman said.
Parents at the rally said the broader impact of universal childcare would benefit both families and society.
“Families would be able to work and contribute back into society, which is what our government and politics are looking for. People that are contributing members,” Harris said.
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