NC’s childcare crisis disproportionately affects disabled kids. A lawmaker says it’s time for change

By: Claire Michal

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: July 10, 2026

Words: 1,056

Last Updated: 6 days, 11 hours ago

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Zack Hawkins is the father of two children with autism. Like many parents of kids with special needs in North Carolina, he has struggled to find childcare options that accommodate his children.

His sons received their diagnosis in 2018. When they were younger, the family found an inclusive summer program and an at-home caregiver, Hawkins says.

But now his sons, ten and eleven years old, are always either with him or his wife when …

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