Childcare is critical to a well-functioning economy. Having access to high-quality, affordable childcare is necessary for people to be able to work and for children to grow and thrive.
Across America, parents like Marcus are struggling to pay for the care their children deserve. Did you know the average cost of early childhood education is now $20,000 per year? And, unlike K-12 and Higher Ed, parents pay for this entirely on their own.
Affordable, high-quality childcare is vitally important for all kinds of families. Families with one or two full-time working parents usually need all-day affordable childcare. Those who work shifts need access to care outside a traditional nine-to-five. Those with a full- or part-time stay-at-home parent need occasional, flexible care to manage their responsibilities to the family or their community.
If expenses for early childhood education were capped at even 7-10% of a family’s income, U.S. gross domestic product would increase to $252 billion.
That’s why Congress needs to pass the American Families Plan andmake tax credits permanent, supporting families and the economy.
Our founder, David Merage, explained the business case for childcare in CNN Business. David’s public advocacy for childcare supports our grassroots efforts, like this petition, to help lawmakers understand the vital need for affordable childcare.
