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As a mother of three young kids, I’ve been fortunate not to face the financial burden of childcare. Thanks to my boyfriend and I working different shifts, along with family support, we’ve always had someone to care for our children. When I returned to work after just seven weeks (admittedly too soon), I felt assured knowing my child was in trusted hands. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many families.
In 2020, nearly three million women left the job market as the pandemic wreaked havoc across the U.S. Daycare centers closed, schools shifted to online learning, and many childcare programs halted indefinitely. Moms found themselves grappling with the difficult choice between their careers and caring for their kids. The already critical issue of insufficient and unaffordable childcare in the country became starkly clear.
The need for affordable childcare is more pressing than ever, and caregivers must receive fair wages. Even now, over a year later, many moms are still struggling to find adequate childcare resources, making it almost impossible for them to return to their jobs. For some families, the high costs of childcare compared to their income simply don’t add up.
Prior to the pandemic, studies indicated that most Americans lived in “childcare deserts.” Alarmingly, three out of five rural areas lacked licensed childcare facilities, disproportionately affecting Latinx, Black, and other minority or low-income communities. Without access to quality childcare, fewer women are able to secure employment that provides a living wage. The pandemic has only intensified these existing issues.
The average annual cost of childcare for a child aged 0-4 ranges from $9,100 to $9,600, with Washington D.C. averaging over $24,000. For parents with multiple children, childcare expenses often exceed rent or mortgage payments, and costs are even higher for those with children who have disabilities. Given that childcare costs can consume more than 20% of the average American’s income, many families find it nearly impossible to afford professional care.
Conversely, some childcare facilities have struggled to survive the pandemic. With enrollment declining due to affordability issues and COVID-19-related operational limits, many centers are facing long waiting lists. Teachers have also left their jobs for better-paying opportunities, further exacerbating staff shortages. Many educators, concerned for their health and undercompensated (with a median wage of only $11.17 per hour), have sought employment elsewhere, leaving centers unable to accommodate the same number of children.
President Biden’s Build Back Better initiative aims to tackle the longstanding divide between childcare costs and wages. Proposed measures include:
- Childcare subsidies that ensure most Americans spend no more than 7% of their income on childcare
- Free universal prekindergarten for three- and four-year-olds
- Paid family leave for caring for children or sick family members
- An enhanced child tax credit
The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes. No parent should have to choose between their job and taking care of their children. It’s crucial that everyone receives a living wage.
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Summary:
The issue of affordable childcare remains a significant barrier preventing many mothers from returning to work. Despite some progress, the high costs and lack of available resources continue to disproportionately affect women, particularly those in marginalized communities. The recent pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for systemic reform in childcare and wages.