North Carolina is losing a startling number of child care providers.

Data shows that, in August alone, more than 47 closed. In the same month, only about 22 opened for business.

Other WRAL Top Stories

Parents like Tyaira Obie rely on places like Little Believers Academy to care for her kids while they go to work.

RELATED: 'It's cold-hearted': Wilson daycare closure leaves parents, staff scrambling for answers

"If we can't work, we can't provide for our kids,” Obie said.

But while parents like Obie rely on child care centers, these same centers face mounting challenges of their own. Even with decades of experience, child care providers like Cassandra Brooks are struggling to keep their doors open.

Brooks, the Director of Little Believers Academy, said it’s been hard to stay afloat due to rising operational costs and a lack of support from the state.

“We can only hold on so long," she said.

She said over the past few years, there has been a significant decrease in state funding for child care providers, while the costs of running facilities continue to climb.

RELATED: Stein, other NC leaders unveil plan to tackle child care affordability, availability

"Some people are having to take out loans just to meet payroll," said Brooks.

Brooks believes that the number of child care providers forced to shutdown will only increase.

"Especially as we get to the end of the year, I know of several providers who are already saying, ‘After this year, this is it.’ They're just trying to make it through December."

For families like Obie’s, this creates an even greater burden.

We asked the Department of Health and Human Services what is being done to help our families put in this position.

Candace Witherspoon, Division Director for the Division of Child Development and Early Education, said her department is working is working with the General Assembly to provide relief.

“They determine the funding that we receive, they determine the rates that we reimburse at, they determine how much the state is going to invest to cover the gap, to make sure that these programs are sustainable,” she said. "We continue to keep the lines of communication open. We're always available to have additional conversations, to help educate and advocate."

In the meantime, Brooks is fighting to stay afloat.