Child Care Funding: The Critical Investment for Women and Families in 2025

The Urgent Need for Child Care Funding

As we move closer to 2025, the question remains: when will the U.S. finally implement a child care system that values the contributions of women? The current system places an unfair burden on women, often expecting them to handle child care duties without adequate support. Currently, one in three parents with young children is grappling with skyrocketing prices, and many are unable to find suitable child care options.

The Impact on Women's Careers

Women are the backbone of child care, yet those caring for our youngest citizens are among the lowest-paid workers. A staggering 97% of other occupations offer better wages, leading many women to leave the workforce or reduce their hours. This results in dire consequences for their financial security and career longevity.

• Moms often face the brunt of child care challenges.
• The systemic undervaluation of early educators perpetuates poverty.
• Investing in child care is investing in the U.S. economy.

Despite the wealth of the nation, funding a public early care system remains elusive. The Biden-Harris administration recently endorsed the idea of viewing child care as an essential economic infrastructure, underscoring the need for reform.

Moving Forward: Solutions for 2025

Recent federal funding during the pandemic revealed the potential for meaningful change. It is now crucial to build upon those opportunities and prioritize the needs of early educators and families. We must stop asking women to shoulder the burden and instead advocate for a child care system that encompasses living wages and accessibility for all families.