Child Care Costs Force Many U.S. Mothers Out of the Workforce

The high cost of child care disproportionately affects mothers without college degrees, leading to significant career disruptions.

In the U.S., the high cost and limited availability of child care are major barriers for mothers, especially those without college degrees.
Nicole Slemp, a mother in Washington, had to quit her job as child care costs would have consumed most of her salary.
A 10% increase in child care costs is linked to a 1% drop in the maternal workforce, highlighting the economic impact.
Government assistance for child care is often insufficient, leaving many families without viable options.
The crisis is exacerbated in areas with high living costs, such as Seattle, where child care expenses can surpass housing costs.