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New revelations about childcare in America — and it’s not pretty. Any working parent can tell you that the childcare landscape in this country is, quite frankly, a disaster. With sky-high costs and the daunting task of finding reliable care, the system is failing our families. So, what gives?
In a word? Parents are too busy just trying to make ends meet to demand change. As bestselling author Sarah Jennings points out in her essay for The Huffington Post, the struggle of working families is real. Her book, Overwhelmed: Work, Love & Play When No One Has the Time, shines a light on the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly when it comes to childcare.
According to a report from The Care Index, in partnership with the non-partisan think tank New America, three key factors determine the effectiveness of a state’s childcare system: affordability, quality, and availability. Spoiler alert: not a single state excels in all three areas. This might explain the dire situation facing working families across the nation. Some parents are even opting to stay home rather than face the hefty price tag of quality childcare, which averages around $9,589 a year for full-time care of a child under four — more than in-state college tuition!
For a parent earning minimum wage, that translates to two-thirds of their income going toward childcare. It’s no wonder some parents choose to forgo work altogether; in many cases, it’s financially counterproductive to work after having kids. And that’s just ridiculous for a developed nation.
The costs continue to boggle the mind, accounting for a staggering 85 percent of the monthly median rent in the U.S. Quality is another concern; only 11% of childcare facilities are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care. I can attest to the fact that quality care often comes at a premium. The daycare my kids attended, which had such accreditations, was one of the most expensive options available.
Availability is yet another hurdle. Many centers I contacted about enrollment had lengthy waiting lists, and I still remember the director laughing when I mentioned needing care in a month. It’s beyond frustrating. According to a survey by Care.com, one-fifth of families report juggling multiple childcare arrangements each week, whether paid or unpaid. This means parents are piecing together care based on what’s available, often leaning on family for support.
In a nutshell, childcare is a colossal source of stress for working parents. As Jennings notes, it’s not only costly and scarce, but the quality often doesn’t justify the expense. And the reason we don’t see more families rallying for a better system with proper subsidies, improved teacher training, and higher wages to attract quality caregivers? Simply put, we don’t have time.
Working families are too busy trying to stay afloat in an inadequate system to organize for change. The pressing need for reform is undeniable, yet we have just one presidential candidate who seems to offer hope for a brighter future for working families — and spoiler alert, her name doesn’t rhyme with “bump.”
Our votes matter more now than ever. It’s time to stop settling for mediocrity. Our children deserve better — and so do we. For further insights on family planning and options, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination to help you navigate parenthood.
In summary, the childcare crisis in America is a pressing issue that demands attention. With costs exceeding college tuition and a lack of quality care, parents are overwhelmed and under-supported. Change is necessary, but the busy lives of working families often prevent them from advocating for a better system.