The Current Cost of Child Care in America

Child care has grown into a big business. As a society, we have evolved from single income to dual income families at an incredibly rapid rate, in the past 35 years. It takes more money to live as a family than it did back in the 1970’s

As a result of both parents in a situation where they both have to work full-time, there has been a huge vacuum created that child care has filled. According to what is known as the New America study the cost of child care for those under the age of 4 is now costing a family, on average $9,500 per year. Incredibly, that is more than the cost of college tuition at a state-sponsored school system like the SUNY system here in New York.

If a family wanted to spring a little extra to have an in-home caregiver assist with their children, it’s going to cost a shocking $28,000 annually. With rising costs on all fronts, families are working to figure out how to offset these costs. Often, they have a network of friends of family members who will share in the responsibility of child care in the event a local Albany child care program is not an option.   

It is extremely important that parents do what is best for their children. Money is a deciding factor in all too many situations. If you find yourself in a place where you can afford to invest in a program for your child, know that there are a number of great quality child care programs available throughout the Albany area.

You want to make sure that it is an accredited, insured facility and that the staff overseeing the care of the children are professionals. To go even further, we recommend you find out if they are passionate about what they are doing and if they have any accredited education degrees and/or background.

All too often, there exists a ‘program’ that is not really something you want to leave your child at all day.  Your children deserve a safe, creative, socially-enhancing and enriching environment where they can bond with their peers, grow and mature in a friendly and thoughtful way.

If you have questions about child care in general or the philosophy by which we provide care, please reach out.  We would love to chat with you.