Child care is an essential service that makes it possible for children to grow and learn while parents work, go to school, or meet other obligations.
Today, more than 5 million kids under age 13 are cared for by a child care provider while their parents are at work or school—and most of these kids are cared for in a licensed setting.
There is ample research about the quality of child care, who provides it, and how much it costs. However, there is less understanding about what the future of this sector might look like and how we can best prepare for the changes ahead.
This article summarizes recent developments in child care policy and trends from different perspectives: academic researchers and think tanks; state legislators; federal policymakers; advocacy organizations; and industry leaders.
Given the scope of this topic, this article will not delve into every detail but rather give you a general overview of current facts and implications.
Recommendations
As we look toward the future of child care in the U.S., there are several things we can do to prepare: – Conduct research into the current state of child care in various communities across the U.S.
This will help us understand the need and set priorities for where new investment is needed, both from states and from the federal government. – Engage with child care providers.
They are the experts in the field, and they have a wealth of knowledge about what’s currently happening and how to make things better.
This can take many forms, including hosting focus groups or town hall meetings. – Understand the role that technology can play in improving the quality of care and helping families navigate their options.
What is the current state of child care in the U.S.?
The majority of kids in the U.S. under age five are in some form of child care. Beyond that, there are several key trends worth noting:
Child care costs and subsidies
Child care is widely recognized as an essential service, helping families meet the demands of daily life while providing children with the social and cognitive experiences they need to thrive.
According to an analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average annual cost of full-time care for an infant in 2017 was $10,000.
For a four-year-old, it was $8,000. Most parents must cover these costs themselves, but there are also subsidies available for lower-income families.
Who provides child care?
Child care providers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including stay-at-home parents, people looking for part-time work, and individuals pursuing a career in child care.
The majority of providers are women, and most providers work in small family child care homes or in large child care facilities.
The providers who work in large centers are often unionized, which can be good for setting standards in the industry. Unionized providers are more likely to be paid a living wage and have access to benefits like paid leave and health insurance.
Key challenges for the future
The growing demand for child care services is outpacing the supply. This means that providers are stretched thin and have difficulty finding enough space, qualified staff, and funding to meet the needs of the children they serve.
In addition, many parents lack the information they need to make informed decisions about child care, including how to find a provider, how to select the best setting, and what to look for in a quality provider.
Here are a few trends to watch as we move toward the future of child care: – Child care deserts: There are many places in the U.S. where parents have limited choices for child care.
Some communities lack child care providers altogether, and others have an inadequate number of spaces available.
This can be a particular problem for special needs children and for children whose parents work non-standard hours.
– Shortages of highly-qualified providers: Federal subsidies for child care only go to providers who meet certain standards.
This doesn’t apply to everyone who works in child care, so as the demand for child care continues to grow, there is a risk that qualified providers could be overwhelmed.
– A shortage of qualified teachers: Child care providers often work in close contact with small children, and many also have a teaching role.
Many states require teachers in early childhood settings to have a college or university degree, but not all states do. The shortage of qualified teachers could be exacerbated by the decreasing number of college students who are interested in going into education.
Trends for child care in the United States
As we look toward the future of child care in the U.S., there are several trends worth noting: – More investments in child care infrastructure.
We’ve already seen this trend in several states, but we expect to see it expand in the future as more and more communities grapple with the lack of child care options.
Investments in child care infrastructure could include expanding the number of child care providers in underserved communities, improving the quality of existing spaces, and creating education programs for child care providers and workers.
– More federal investment in early education. The federal government has made several major investments in early education over the past decade, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and state grants for pre-kindergarten education.
We expect to see more of this as policymakers look for ways to address the growing demand for child care services.
Conclusion
The topic of child care is vast, and this article only scratches the surface. There is ample research about the quality of child care, who provides it, and how much it costs.
However, there is less understanding about what the future of this sector might look like and how we can best prepare for the changes ahead.
With the right investment and attention, we can make sure that children receive the high-quality care they need and deserve.
