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With legislation moving through the state house to update Delaware's school funding system to a hybrid model, our latest blog tackles where the bills are in the process, what they would do, and what comes next. To read more, follow the link below: https://monkeylink.co/a954f0

Delaware Advances Historic School Funding Update as Hybrid Model Moves Forward Delaware is moving forward with a proposed hybrid school funding model that combines the current unit system with more flexible, student-centered funding.

Delaware has pumped up the volume on child care challenges, and it’s thanks to the engagement and action of partners like the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce who understand that child care impacts more than just parents. We’re grateful to have co-hosted a dialogue with DEBCC members, community advocates, and several state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, to discuss the current child care challenges facing Delaware and the next steps to addressing them.

Business owners, like restauranteur James, highlighted the challenges their staff face with childcare. James shared: "We pay on a certain day, and we've had calls, "Hey, can you pay me before Friday so I can take care of [child care payments] for my kid? I would say when somebody calls out most times it's because of child care issues...so it is a big issue with us as well. We're not directly tied into pre-K, but it does affect us."

Others, like family provider Shakira, spoke to funding gaps caused by the current model for Purchase of Care and its impact on child care providers: "As a provider, a family provider, all the funding is me. Everything comes from me. So if Purchase of Care is giving me $200 a week to work 50 hours, that's $5 an hour, so it's not a lot for me. And then I have to cover all the [remaining] costs."

Dr. Melanie Thomas-Price, owner of A Leap of Faith Child Development Center, put it plainly: "Why is it so hard? Why do we have to do so much to make sure that the kids are getting what they need? It just doesn't make sense to me."

Thank you to all our participants for their honest and collaborative conversation. We look forward to working with all those who attended to turn conversation into action, especially through support for ongoing legislation to improve access to child care.

Ready to shape the future of teaching? The 2026 Delaware Teacher Pathways Showcase is your chance to discover pathways to teaching in Delaware on May 12, from 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST. Workshops, networking, panels, and more!

🔗 Register by May 6th: https://monkeylink.co/96cf47

Delaware Teacher Pathways Showcase Teaching is more than just a job; it is a calling, a passion, and a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. In Delaware, there are more opportunities than ever for aspiring educators of all ages to pursue a career in teaching.