The average cost of care for two children is now greater than the average rent in all 50 states, and greater than the average mortgage payment in 45 states, according to a May report by the nonprofit Child Care Aware of America. The group recommends increased government funding for the child-care system so that states can provide more families with subsidies and boost income for the child-care workforce.
“Child care has been under-resourced for decades, contributing to the current inadequate supply of high-quality programs and a situation where too many families are priced out of the system,” the report said.