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The annual cost of child care has increased by more than 4 percent, according to a study by Child Care Aware of America.
CNN reports that there are nearly 11 million children under 5 years old who attend day care. The cost of child-care facilities for one child is more than the annual median rent in almost half of the country. The cost of child care surpasses rent in all states when two children are involved.
The study also found that in many states the cost of infant child care is more expensive than in-state tuition and fees for one year at a four-year public university.
How to localize:
Check the child-care options in your community and chart the costs. What do the different options offer in terms of care?
Do the math: Research different scenarios two- and single-parent families face and document the costs involved. What are some of the options for parents who work full time, part time or stay home?
Who oversees child-care centers? What regulations must child-care facilities follow and why? Are non-licensed day-care homes a concern?
Create a checklist of funding assistance and service provided by state, local and private agencies.
Create a database or Web page that keeps an updated report on code violations and concerns involving child-care centers.
