Illustration by Vadym Buinov | Moment | Getty Images
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the American economy has revealed both vulnerabilities and strengths, particularly in the realm of child care. As day cares closed and schools shifted to remote learning, parents found themselves struggling to balance work and childcare responsibilities.
Although employment in the child care industry has returned to pre-pandemic levels, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a shortage of workers and available child care slots in certain regions, posing challenges for the sector.
Families are also facing increased costs. A report from Bank of America in February revealed a rise in child care expenses ranging from 15% to nearly 30% per household compared to the previous year, with the most significant spike observed in households earning between $100,000 and $250,000 annually.
Advocates argue that child care, including services for infants and toddlers, is not just a social issue but also an economic one that impacts…
2024-06-08 07:00:01
Read more on www.cnbc.com