As former President Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, millions of Americans face an uncertain future, especially parents of young children who are increasingly worried about their ability to make ends meet and secure opportunities for their children.
This election has raised fundamental questions about the nature of opportunity itself: What does it mean, and who truly benefits from it?
Currently, half of all families in the U.S. live in “childcare deserts,” where licensed childcare is either scarce or nonexistent. Aside from Head Start programs, there is no robust public alternative to the patchwork of private childcare options offered by churches, community centers, and residential homes. After decades of underfunding, these providers often operate on tight budgets and struggle to adequately compensate educators, while parents pay a significant portion of their income for care.
Childcare costs are so high that they push an estimated 134,000 families into poverty every year. With the expiration of federal pandemic-era funding, the sector faces even deeper challenges—lower wages for educators, higher costs for families, and fewer available care options. As a result, many parents are forced to make tough decisions between their children’s care and their own employment, not out of preference, but because of a lack of alternatives.
Some families choose to have a parent stay at home, or they turn to relatives or neighbors for childcare. These decisions may stem from personal beliefs, financial constraints, or a child’s health needs—but these families deserve support too.
While an expanded, refundable child tax credit could help alleviate some of the financial burdens of raising children, it is insufficient to cover the full cost of childcare. Moreover, it does not directly support childcare providers or educators in a way that could expand or improve services. Many parents across the country are still in search of a formal, high-quality childcare system, but access to such services remains out of reach for most.
The lack of access to quality childcare has long-term consequences for both children and the economy. Early childhood education programs have been proven to boost economic growth by enabling parents to work, attend school, or engage in job training. They also enhance productivity and support the early education profession. Furthermore, these programs lay the foundation for school readiness by teaching early literacy, math skills, self-regulation, and social-emotional development—preparing children for lifelong learning and success.
On May 3, 2024, childcare providers and parents rallied at the John A. Wilson Building in Washington, D.C., to call for restored funding for childcare. (Brian Stukes / Getty Images for Under 3 DC)
Every family should have access to childcare that meets their needs. Early childhood educators should be able to pursue their passion for teaching while earning fair wages that reflect the value of their work. To create more opportunity for all, the U.S. must invest in a mixed-delivery system that provides a variety of high-quality care options. Advocates have long called for increased funding in areas like educator compensation, expanding available care, and lowering costs for families.
As the Trump administration prepares for its return to power, early childhood advocates must ensure that childcare and early learning remain top priorities. This election has reignited critical questions about whether the U.S. is truly committed to creating environments where families can thrive. The ballots cast reflected a referendum on whether Americans believe in equal opportunity for all families—but the actions we take from here will determine whether we are willing to secure those rights for future generations.
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