As a mother of three young kids, I’ve been fortunate not to have incurred childcare expenses. My partner and I have managed to work opposite shifts and received support from family, ensuring someone trustworthy is always available to look after our children. However, this is not the case for many families out there.
In 2020, nearly three million women exited the workforce as the pandemic wreaked havoc across the U.S., leading to the closure of daycare centers and a shift to remote schooling. Many mothers faced the difficult choice between their careers and caring for their children. The ongoing challenge of finding affordable, quality childcare became even clearer, with many women exiting the workforce entirely.
The U.S. desperately needs more affordable childcare options, and caregivers should earn a fair living wage. Even now, with mothers gradually returning to work, the scarcity of suitable childcare options continues to hinder their efforts. For numerous families, the expense of childcare often exceeds what they earn, making it financially unfeasible to return to work.
Even before the pandemic, studies indicated that many Americans lived in “childcare deserts,” with three in five rural communities lacking licensed childcare facilities. This issue disproportionately impacts families from Latin, Black, and other minority or low-income backgrounds. Without access to quality childcare, fewer women can work and earn a sustainable income. The pandemic only intensified these existing issues.
The annual cost of childcare for a single child aged 0-4 ranges from $9,100 to $9,600, with rates in places like Washington D.C. exceeding $24,000. For families with multiple children, childcare costs can surpass mortgage or rent payments. Parents of children with disabilities face even higher expenses. Given that childcare costs often consume over 20% of the average American’s income, affording professional care becomes nearly impossible for many families.
On the other hand, many childcare facilities have struggled to remain operational. With high costs and reduced enrollment due to COVID-19 precautions, some centers are operating at diminished capacity, resulting in lengthy waiting lists. Additionally, many educators have left the field for better-paying jobs, further compounding the staffing shortages in childcare centers. The median wage for childcare workers in the U.S. is a mere $11.17 an hour, translating to just over $23,000 annually. The risk of working with unvaccinated children under five has led many teachers to reassess their roles in this already strained environment.
President Biden’s Build Back Better initiative aims to tackle these long-standing issues by proposing childcare subsidies to ensure that families don’t spend more than 7% of their income on childcare. Other provisions include free universal prekindergarten for three- and four-year-olds, paid family leave for caregiving, and an enhanced child tax credit. The pandemic has shed light on the urgent need for systemic change. No parent should have to choose between providing care for their children and securing a stable income.
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In summary, the lack of affordable childcare remains a significant barrier for mothers looking to re-enter the workforce. The pandemic has only exacerbated existing issues, making it essential for systemic changes to be implemented.
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