When I heard you speak about “affordable, quality child care for all families” during the Republican convention last summer, I found myself cheering in my living room. This topic is a crucial one for working families, and it’s a cause I’ve passionately supported for over a decade.
Quality child care is synonymous with high-quality early childhood education, and investing in it is one of the smartest decisions we can make as a society. Studies reveal that for every dollar spent on early education, the economy can expect a return of up to 13%. Historically, child care has been a bipartisan issue, with shifts occurring from World War II’s universal child care to the 2014 reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act.
Sadly, meaningful changes for working families needing child care have been few and far between. Currently, over 11 million children under the age of five are in some form of child care, making it a necessity for working families. Yet, in 49 out of 50 states, quality child care remains unaffordable and beyond reach.
The Trump administration’s child care plan ties tax deductions to household income, meaning those earning $250,000 will benefit more than families making $50,000. For instance, my partner Mark and I are fortunate to have stable jobs that provide benefits, but we’ve only recently managed to save a little. With a tax rate of 25%, we’re set to receive more assistance than families who are struggling significantly more, who may only see a tax rate of 12%. It’s clear that all families, especially those facing the toughest circumstances, need adequate support.
So, let’s not begin with families like ours.
Start with those working hard yet living paycheck to paycheck. They desperately need high-quality child care to secure better futures for their children. For example, a family of three in Massachusetts at the poverty line would have to allocate nearly 85% of their income for full-time infant care!
Additionally, consider single parents. In every state, the cost of center-based infant care exceeds 24% of a single parent’s median income—it’s a financial burden that’s nearly impossible to bear.
Let’s not forget millennial parents, many of whom are struggling under the weight of student debt while delaying home purchases and family expansion. Roughly one in four postsecondary students are parents, often millennials seeking to enhance their lives.
Also, address the needs of families requiring child care during nontraditional hours. These parents often work when my family is resting, covering night shifts or fluctuating schedules, with few reliable child care options available to them.
We must also focus on parents of children with special needs, who may find it challenging to access affordable critical services in their areas.
Don’t overlook those living in rural areas, where child care shortages—often termed “child care deserts”—force parents to piece together temporary and unstable arrangements just to make ends meet.
Lastly, a significant investment must be made in the child care workforce. Research indicates that half of those providing care for our children live in poverty. They deserve better compensation and support, as they play a crucial role in ensuring children have the quality early learning experiences essential for school readiness and future success.
Ivanka, while I appreciate your focus on this vital issue, let’s not make it a winning topic for just a select few; we need support for all families.
Investing in early childhood education benefits children, families, and the economy as a whole. Join us in advocating for quality, affordable child care by visiting childcareworks.org.
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In summary, addressing child care is an urgent matter that cannot be overlooked. We must prioritize those who are truly in need to create a brighter future for our children and families alike.