Amid a nationwide child care crisis, Massachusetts struggles to retain and bring in early educators due to the state’s high living costs and the industry’s low wage and benefits.

Figuring out what to do with kids after school is out and the workday ends is mentally and financially draining—but it doesn’t have to be. As for a solution, all three experts agree that what we need is more public funding. Herbert recommends that parents find organizations that are advocating to improve the system (Neighborhood Villages is one of them) and then find ways to get involved.

The town of Acton is giving away $3,000 to eligible families to help pay for child care and after school programs for children ages 13 and under, Town Manager John Mangiaratti announced in a press release Wednesday. | The Boston Globe