Shortages of child care staff have left 9,000 military children on waitlists. Maj. Erin A. Williams shares her challenges in securing affordable child care at duty stations.
American families are facing significant financial challenges, including the ongoing struggle to access affordable, high-quality child care. In Virginia and Alabama, Senators Tim Kaine and Katie Britt have expressed concern over the obstacles parents face in finding suitable care for their children.
Over half of American families reside in child care deserts, where there is a severe shortage of providers. Many parents are forced to resort to waitlists, with no guarantee of ever receiving care. The long wait times and limited options leave many families in despair.
Child Care Crisis Leaves Military Families Struggling at Duty Stations
The national average price of child care has skyrocketed to $11,582 in 2023. In Virginia, families pay some of the highest costs in the country, with the annual price for infant care exceeding $15,000. Child care costs for two young children often surpass the average housing expenses in both Virginia and Alabama.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis by driving 100,000 child care workers out of the profession. The sector shrank by 9.7% between February 2020 and September 2022. This has led to fewer options for parents and increased waitlists.
Child Care Crisis Leaves Military Families Struggling at Duty Stations
A major factor contributing to the staffing crisis is the low wages paid to child care workers. The median wage is just under $15 per hour, making it difficult for workers to support themselves and their families. This low pay incentivizes workers to leave the sector for higher-paying positions.
The child care crisis has a significant economic impact. A 2023 report estimated that it costs the U.S. $122 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue annually. Tens of thousands of people miss work each month due to child care issues.
Child Care Crisis Leaves Military Families Struggling at Duty Stations
A 2023 study estimated the annual economic impact of the infant-toddler child care crisis on Virginia at over $3.1 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. In Alabama, 64% of parents with a young child worked fewer hours due to lack of adequate child care, and one in five parents missed work that year due to child care challenges.
Senators Kaine and Britt have introduced a bipartisan proposal aimed at addressing the child care crisis and helping working families access and afford high-quality care. The proposal includes:
Child Care Crisis Leaves Military Families Struggling at Duty Stations
* **Child Care Workforce Act:** Incentivizes child care workers and providers to remain in the industry by providing competitive grants for pay programs.
* **Child Care Availability and Affordability Act:** Increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, expands access to the Dependent Care Assistance Program, and increases the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit to encourage businesses to provide child care.
Child Care Crisis Leaves Military Families Struggling at Duty Stations
The senators emphasize the need for bold and bipartisan action to address the child care crisis. They urge Congress to find common ground solutions to ensure that children have safe and enriching places to learn and grow, child care workers are supported, and parents can participate in the workforce.
