SAN DIEGO — Is childcare more expensive than sending your kid to college? In some cases, yes.
A Bank of America Institute report revealed the average childcare payment per household has risen over 30% since 2019.
"A lot of times, there's obviously two parents who have to work and I have a lot of single parents. So, it's even harder for them," said Gina Cazares, who has been running a daycare inside her home for 30 years.
Cazares has cared for hundreds of kids and said she often hears from parents struggling to make ends meet.
California childcare
- New data from the Economic Policy Institute found California has the 3rd highest average annual cost for infant care behind Washington DC and Boston, at $16,945 annually.
- The cost equals $1,412 a month.
- Infant care in California now costs $8,925 more per year than in-state tuition for a four-year public college, making us one of 33 states and DC where infant care is pricier than a college degree.
Carolina Barcenas said it's stressful.
Barcenas is a single mom of two and spends hundreds of dollars each month on childcare. She said it's been a challenge to keep up ever since her kids were born.
"Especially living here in San Diego. That is, you know, very expensive every year everything goes up," said Barcenas.
Programs
Barcenas uses subsidies, something her provider, Cazares told her about.
- The California Department of Social Services has a $200 million pot of money that low-income families can tap into to help pay for care.
- But, a lot of people aren't aware.
- California partnered with San Diego-based child care tech platform, Tootris, to help spread the word.
“More often than not, parents don't know they qualify for a subsidy, whether it's a big piece or a small piece and a lot of them do. It's really easy to find. We have a landing page parents can go online, fill out some very basic information and that comes to us and from there we can quickly decide whether a family qualifies,” said Tootris spokesperson, Jeff McAdam.
Other programs include federally funded Head Start. Local nonprofits also offer assistance.
Barcenas said she's grateful for the help, even though it doesn't cover everything. Both she and Cazares hope one day that will change.
“I think the state should do more,” said Cazares.
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