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Our Child Care Crisis  

According to the recent U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory On the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents, research shows that in the last decade child care costs in the U.S. have grown by approximately 26%, further exacerbating financial pressures on families. In 2023, 66% of parents reported feeling consumed by financial worries—compared to just 39% of other adults. One in four U.S. parents said they have struggled to cover basic needs such as food, rent, or mortgage, with a similar share indicating they have had difficulty paying for health care and child care. 

With skyrocketing costs and limited access to child care, families across Washington state are struggling. According to recent polling, sponsored by a coalition of the Children’s Campaign Fund Action, MomsRising, and OneAmerica Votes, a clear majority of our state’s voters believe it is  time for a significant investment in child care—and they are ready to support candidates who prioritize solutions to this crisis. 

The 2024 Elections 

A new poll, sponsored by a coalition of the Children’s Campaign Fund Action, MomsRising, and OneAmerica Votes, reveals that 70% of Washington voters support a new proposal aimed at addressing the state’s child care crisis.  

The proposal includes measures such as: 

• Capping how much of a family’s income can go toward child care 

• Increasing state subsidies for child care 

• Establishing a living wage structure with benefits for early education and child care workers 

• Creating new state training programs for child care providers to enhance quality and safety 

This proposal has widespread support across party lines, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents backing it. Furthermore, 62% of voters say they would be more likely to support legislative candidates in November who back this plan.  

“These policy solutions represent essential steps toward a future where every family can access affordable, quality child care,” said Sharon Silver, CEO of WithinReach. “By addressing both the financial strain on parents and the stability of the child care workforce, we’re not just helping families today, we’re building a stronger foundation for future generations. When we invest in child care, we invest in the well-being of our entire community.” 

The 2024 election offers an important opportunity to make meaningful progress on the child care issue. Support for child care policies that make care more affordable, accessible, and sustainable is not just a matter of family well-being—it’s an economic issue and a moral imperative. 

Child Care Providers are Struggling, Too 

Child care providers themselves are also facing severe challenges. The industry suffers from high turnover rates, largely due to low wages. The majority of child care workers are women, and disproportionately women of color. Many child care workers are so underpaid that they rely on government assistance to make ends meet. This not only impacts the quality of care but also contributes to the high turnover rate, making it even harder for families to find stable, reliable care for their children. 

The Economic Impact of Child Care 

It’s not just families and child care providers who are affected by the child care crisis; Washington state’s economy is taking a hit as well. When parents can’t find affordable, reliable child care, many are forced to miss work or leave the workforce entirely. In fact, 30% of parents have reported leaving the workforce because they can’t secure child care. 

According to the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, over 600,000 children in working families across our state are estimated to be without state-licensed child care due to a severe shortage. This shortage not only hurts families, but also the broader Washington economy, costing the state an estimated $3.5 billion annually in lost wages, productivity, and consumer spending. 

Supporting Families Beyond Policy 

While the policy proposals to address Washington’s child care crisis could offer significant steps forward, families will still need support in navigating the resources they’d make available to them. That’s why WithinReach is proud to partner with Child Care Aware of Washington to ensure families have the tools they need to access affordable, quality child care.   

“Families often face significant barriers when trying to access critical resources like child care, healthcare, and basic needs support,” said Silver. “Navigating these complex systems can be overwhelming, but partnerships between organizations like Child Care Aware and WithinReach make it possible to break down those barriers. By working together, we ensure that families not only find the care they need but also receive the guidance and support necessary to overcome the many challenges they face.” 

As we head into the elections this November, it’s crucial that candidates and lawmakers listen to the needs of their constituents and take bold steps to address the child care crisis. The proposals on the table could be a game changer for families, child care workers, and the state economy.