A recent study conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation sheds light on the exorbitant childcare costs burdening Illinois parents, ranking the state amongst the highest in the nation. According to the findings, monthly expenses for a toddler attending a childcare center are as high as $1,039 and $745 for a home care center.
The impact of these costs on family incomes is significant, with childcare accounting for approximately 11% of the median income of married couples and a staggering 37% of a single mother's income. For parents of children aged 4 to 8, childcare emerges as the largest expense.
The report also highlights the persistent challenges faced by working parents due to childcare demands. In 2022, a record 104,000 families reported missing work due to childcare issues, underscoring the urgent need for affordable and accessible childcare solutions.