Access to high-quality child care encompasses both availability and affordability, and families across the country struggle with both. For many parents, childcare of any kind is not affordable. In some states, the average cost of childcare exceeds the cost of housing or college tuition. In fact, in 28 states and the District of Columbia, infant care costs exceed the average cost of in-state college tuition at public 4-year institutions. These costs make it difficult for parents to balance the high cost of childcare while securing a well-paying job and providing for their family. While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines “affordable child care” as no more than 7% of a family’s income, most families pay much more. One in three families spends at least 20% of their income on care for one child. Single- parent families spend an average of 35%. Parents of infants and toddlers face the highest costs.

Watch the Comcast Newsmakers interview with Delegate Queen here.