Stellar Snippets
In the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the federal government granted states nearly $24 billion in child care stabilization funds.
That program, however, ends this month which means child care could get more scarce and expensive.
Over 70,000 child care providers may close, impacting 3.2 million kids.
The number of working mothers with small children is at an all-time high, but the loss of child care options could lead to more women leaving the workforce.
Experts emphasize that in order to achieve widespread improvement in child care, systemic changes must be involved, such as increased public funding.
It's hard for child care providers to work full time because of the hourly wage, which was reported as $13.71 back in 2022 ($28,520 annual income).
The U.S. loses around $57 billion a year in revenue and economic productivity when parents don't have access to reliable and affordable child care.
As child care providers become scarcer, families may need to explore local alternatives, like starting a child care co-op or nanny-sharing, experts suggest.
Some families will rely on universal preschool which is available in select states, while many will be forced to rely on their community.