Child Care in the News: Employer Solutions, Economic Pressures, and Stories That Need to Be Seen
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
This week’s stories examine the growing pressure parents face in affording care while working—on-site, remotely, or not at all. As employer-sponsored programs gain attention and media shines a light on what high-quality care can (and should) look like, families across the country are still navigating a system stretched too thin.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Employer-Sponsored Child Care
Marketplace explores the rising trend of employer-sponsored child care, which can provide convenience and stability—but not always equity. While helpful to some, these programs are often limited in scope, access, or hours. Critics say public investment, not corporate perks, is the more equitable long-term solution.
Remote Work Didn't Solve the Child Care Crisis for Parents
USA Today reports that while remote work gave some families flexibility, it didn't eliminate the need for reliable child care. Parents—especially moms—continue to juggle roles, often sacrificing career advancement or mental health due to lack of accessible support.
The Cost of Caring for Our Children Is Outpacing What We're Paid
In this 1A podcast episode, educators, economists, and parents unpack how child care costs are climbing faster than wages. The result? Families can’t afford care, providers can’t afford to stay open, and the system continues to erode without bold financial investment.
New Documentary Shows the Kind of High-Quality Child Care Many Cannot Find
The Hechinger Report reviews a new documentary that takes viewers inside a model child care program—one that’s nurturing, high-quality, and nearly impossible for most families to access. The film illustrates what’s possible with the right funding, staffing, and philosophy, while also exposing the widespread gaps in availability.