Conclusion

In disseminating funds directly to reporters to support their news coverage of child care issues, we found that these grants extended the reach of care stories to new audiences, gave journalists the flexibility to report on aspects of child care innovation that might not have otherwise been captured, and elevated the voices of a wide variety of reporters on the topic—both experienced and novice. Part of our larger mission of narrative change requires both a widening and deepening of the storytelling field. Expanding our efforts to include diverse mediums, publications, and a deeper bench of reporters will help us further achieve this.

But progress remains. To continue more robust reporting on child care as a policy issue will require further investments of time and resources and the building of a cadre of journalists with deep understanding of policy and the solutions journalism model. To meet this need, the Better Life Lab plans to expand the reporting grants program to curate and cultivate more voices to report on the need for accessible, affordable child care. We have long documented the benefits that come with federal investment in care—for children, families, care providers, and society. While movements to fund care is happening in a handful of states, most are left behind. And so, our work carries on.