By Evan Dawson, Megan Mack, Julie Williams

February 27, 2026

Families in rural areas of New York say it is increasingly difficult to find child care. According to a report from the Children’s Agenda, seven rural counties in Western New York shows can be characterized as child care deserts, where there are more than three children under the age of five per licensed child care slot for children in that age group. Structural and funding issues are contributing to the challenges, and providers point to low child care educator pay as a critical factor in the availability of reliable care. So what can be done? Our guests discuss it.

Our guests:

• Pete Nabozny, director of policy for The Children’s Agenda
• Rachel Bonsignore, executive director of Liftoff Western New York
• Kathleen Valley, executive board member for Praising Kids Child Care Center
• Taryn Moyle, child care resource center program manager for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc.
• Lindsey Dailey, parent

Original article here: https://www.wxxinews.org/show/connections/2026-02-27/who-will-take-care-of-the-kids-rural-families-navigate-child-care-deserts