"The High Cost of Child Care in New York: A Barrier to Economic Stability

Child care in New York State has reached unprecedented levels of expense, creating significant barriers for working families. In 2024, the average annual cost for infant care in family-based settings was $18,200, marking a 79% increase since 2019. Center-based care is even more costly, averaging $26,000 per year—a 43% rise over the same period .Vox+1Schuyler Center+1NYC Comptroller

These soaring costs mean that many families must earn over $300,000 annually to meet the federal affordability standard, which recommends child care expenses not exceed 7% of household income. This financial strain forces parents, particularly mothers, to make difficult choices between their careers and child care .Child Care Aware® of America+2CCC New York+2NYC Comptroller+2The Guardian

Why It Matters:

• High child care costs are pushing families into financial hardship and limiting workforce participation.

• The economic burden disproportionately affects low- and middle-income families, exacerbating inequality.

• Addressing affordability is crucial for economic stability and gender equity in the workforce.Times Union+1The Guardian+1

  
  

Call to Action:

Advocate for policies that subsidize child care costs and support universal child care programs. Share your experiences to highlight the real-world impact of these expenses