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Child Care Crisis: Costs Surge Amid Nationwide Shortages

10/29/2025

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Center

Child Care Expansion

Child care shortages are affecting families across the United States, with long waitlists and rising costs.
In Colorado, the Denver Child Care Academy plans to expand by 10,000 square feet and eight classrooms to meet infant demand.
In Michigan, average weekly fees for infant care have risen to $300.
Some providers are raising rates due to decreased enrollment.
Initiatives such as Pre-K for All seek accessible preschool options.

Left

Governor Launches Child Care

New Mexico's governor announced universal free child care, framing it as essential social infrastructure.
Access remains limited, with 21,000 of 137,000 eligible children receiving benefits.
To address this, the state plans to recruit 1,000 providers and seek $120 million.
Its success depends on recruitment and legislative support and may influence national views on care.

History

Historical Context

Enacted in 1990, the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) aimed to enhance access to affordable child care for low-income families, allocating $2.4 billion annually. Despite this, only one in seven eligible children receives assistance. Today, rising costs, such as Michigan's $300 weekly fees, highlight ongoing challenges, prompting initiatives like New Mexico's proposal for universal free child care to address these critical needs.

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Child Care Expansion

Child care shortages are affecting families across the United States, with long waitlists and rising costs.
In Colorado, the Denver Child Care Academy plans to expand by 10,000 square feet and eight classrooms to meet infant demand.
In Michigan, average weekly fees for infant care have risen to $300.
Some providers are raising rates due to decreased enrollment.
Initiatives such as Pre-K for All seek accessible preschool options.

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