CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Janet Singerman, head of Child Care Resources Inc., is tasked with finding solutions for families when it comes to child care so they're not left asking, "Where's the money?"
"Child care costs more than one year of tuition at [UNC Charlotte] or UNC-Chapel Hill," Singerman said.
The nonprofit services multiple counties across the state, giving referrals to child care providers aimed at fitting family needs.
Parents in 31 of the 50 biggest cities in the country would need to devote over half of their household income each month toward child care, according to a recent report from the online magazine Money.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
Meanwhile, federal health leaders have different budget guidelines on what those costs should run you. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services caps housing costs at 30% of monthly income per household. Child care is only supposed to cost you 7% under these guidelines.
The average American family, according to the Money report, would need to allocate a monthly sum of $1,984 for child care. The report notes these findings show the typical bill for child care, then, comes out slightly higher than a mortgage payment.
But it goes beyond the numbers.
Singerman noted child care centers across the country are going to run out of federal pandemic money by the summer. That money funded teacher and caretaker raises; without it, wages could drop back to pracademic levels, as low as $12 an hour.
"60% to 80% of a child care program's operating budget is the cost of its labor," Singerman said. "Child care staff who can’t afford to make less are leaving the profession."
In addition to that, the cost of care is most expensive when kids are young. Singerman said those early learning years often come during parents early earning years, taking a disproportionate chunk out of the check.
The multifaceted problem requires a multifaceted solution.
"So, what’s the answer?" Singerman asked. "It's increased investment."
That increased investment, Singerman said, will need to come from both private businesses and our elected officials.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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