Affordable Childcare Support for Working Families: What Parents Need To Know
Many parents need assistance to access affordable, quality childcare. In 2024, $13,128 was the average annual cost of childcare in the U.S. In most states, the cost of care for two children exceeded the cost of annual mortgage and rental costs, making childcare one of the highest expenses for families.
Assistance for childcare expenses ensure families have the support they need to afford quality childcare. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons working families need assistance and how families and children benefit from accessing affordable childcare programs.
Why Is Assistance for Quality Childcare Essential for Families in the U.S.?
One of the key reasons that childcare assistance is essential for families is its financial impact. The average annual cost of childcare in the U.S. increased from $10,174 in 2020 to $13,128 in 2024, a 29% increase. By contrast, the average median household income in the U.S. increased from $81,580 in 2020 to $83,730 in 2024, an increase of approximately 2.6%.
With childcare costs increasing at substantially higher rates than income, it’s more important than ever that families have access to assistance for quality childcare.
Why Is Quality Childcare Important for Children and Families?
Affordable childcare should not simply be the cheapest available; it should ensure children receive care from qualified caregivers who provide quality programming that promotes preschool readiness.
When children are placed in quality childcare programs, they have opportunities to learn, develop social skills, and engage in activities that support their development. Additionally, parents have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are safe, benefiting from age-appropriate programming, and having access to all the support and essentials needed throughout their day.
Learn more about Sunrise Children’s Foundation programs.
How Do Childcare Costs Impact Working Parents?
With childcare costs consuming so much of working parents’ income, these costs can be a significant source of stress.
In some cases, parents may cut back on working hours to reduce childcare expenses. Some parents may change jobs, so they can work during daycare operating hours. Others may stop working because they do not earn enough to cover daycare costs.
Families with lower incomes may already struggle to save for retirement and emergency expenses. The cost of childcare may consume any extra income they had before having children, leaving them struggling to afford essentials and with no money left for entertainment or emergencies.
Childcare costs can also affect career opportunities for working parents. Those who can’t afford to stay late because they have to pick up their children may not be considered for promotions or opportunities that involve travel.
What Types of Childcare Assistance Programs Are Available?
Childcare assistance programs include:
- Early Head Start: This federal program provides free childcare for infants and toddlers. Qualified childcare workers in Early Head Start programs provide expert care and implement programming that’s designed to promote age-appropriate development and ensure preschool readiness.
- Head Start: Head Start programs are for children ages 3 through 5. These preschool programs focus on promoting cognitive, physical, and social development through activities led by qualified staff.
Childcare centers may also qualify for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) grants to help subsidize the cost of care for low-income families. Some states also offer low-income families vouchers to cover childcare costs.
Who May Qualify for Childcare Support?
Income is the primary consideration when determining who qualifies for childcare assistance.
For example, reasons that families qualify for Head Start include the following:
- Family income is equal to or less than federal poverty guidelines
- Homelessness
- Qualify for and receive one of the following:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits
Children in the foster care system also qualify for Head Start.
Connect with a team member to learn whether your family may qualify for assistance.
What Are the Benefits of Accessing Affordable Childcare?
Quality, affordable Early Childhood education programs provide multiple benefits for parents and children. They also protect children from risks.
Benefits of Making Childcare Affordable
When families can access affordable childcare, the benefits for parents include the following:
- Ability to work
- Able to form a support network with other parents
- Caregivers note developmental milestones
- Having trained caregivers provide care
- Peace of mind
- Potential for career advancement
- Programs promote cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development
- Stable childcare
Both parents and children benefit from high-quality childcare programs because they ensure children are ready for preschool and kindergarten.
The benefits for children also include:
- Access to age-appropriate activities and toys
- Learning structure through daily routine
- Opportunities to make friends
- Programs promote early childhood cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development
Children also benefit from exposure to different customs, cultures, and interests. Through sharing times, stories, and field trips, children can learn about different careers, local resources, animals, and more.
Lastly, attending a stimulating, age-appropriate childcare program can help children develop a love of learning.
How Affordable Childcare Protects Children From Risks
In 2024, over 23% of parents either couldn’t afford or couldn’t access childcare. With costs rising and the number of licensed programs failing to meet demand, parents may turn to unlicensed caregivers because it’s their only option.
Unlicensed childcare centers put children at risk. In 2026, a childcare center in Indiana received a cease-and-desist order after an investigation revealed that just three adults were supervising more than 80 children, with more than 60 kept in a basement without a fire escape.
These conditions pose a safety risk, and remaining in them can jeopardize children’s emotional and social well-being. These children are also not receiving age-appropriate programming that promotes cognitive development.
How Can Families Find Trusted Local Resources?
Sunrise Children’s Foundation has parent resources and family resources for local families. Our family support services also bring support to your home, providing home-based guidance for parents.
Additionally, we have community outreach programs that provide information on unemployment, nutrition, housing, and other resources that are designed to help families.
How Can Sunrise Children’s Foundation Help Families Navigate Available Options?
Sunrise Children’s Foundation has enrollment information that provides details about our programs and how to enroll. Our website also provides more information about specific programs and resources available.
Our team is also happy to answer your questions about our community programs, childcare programs, and assistance. We encourage parents to visit to learn more about our programs, the resources we offer, and how to qualify for childcare assistance.
Contact Sunrise Children’s Foundation to explore available family support resources.
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