We’re excited to introduce a new series where we'll round up the most important news and developments in child care each week. Whether you’re a parent, child care professional, educator, child care provider, or advocate, staying informed on the latest trends and policies is essential to ensuring our children have the care and support they need. Check back every Monday morning for fresh insights and key stories impacting child care across the U.S. and beyond. Let’s stay informed together as we work toward building a better future for our children.
This week’s highlights:
Parenting Costs Continue to Skyrocket in the U.S. In this live New York Times discussion, experts dig into the overwhelming cost of parenting in the U.S., with child care being a major financial burden for families. As the discussion highlights, parents today are navigating a system where quality care is increasingly expensive, and the economic strain is felt across all income levels. Policymakers and advocates are urgently discussing potential reforms to alleviate these challenges. Read more here: NYT: Parenting Costs USA
Vice President Harris Proposes 7% Cap on Child Care Costs CNN reports that Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing for legislation to cap child care costs at 7% of a family’s income, marking a significant effort to make child care more affordable. This proposal is part of broader efforts to address the child care crisis and offer relief to millions of American families struggling to keep up with rising expenses. This could be a pivotal step in making high-quality child care accessible for all. Read more here: CNN: Harris 7% Cap on Child Care
Child Care Costs for Two Kids Exceed Rent in Major Cities According to Newsweek, child care costs for two children have now surpassed the average rent in major cities across the country, adding an extra layer of financial difficulty for working families. This trend underscores the need for systemic change, as the current model is becoming unsustainable for many families, forcing tough decisions about work and child care arrangements.
Read more here: Newsweek: Child Care Costs vs. Rent