Paying thousands in child care costs each month is crushing families across the country.
The LAist recently spoke with two California families whose child care costs are forcing them to put more on their credit cards.
Here's what to know
Genny Richard, who works for a nonprofit, and her husband, who holds a postdoctoral fellowship with the University of California, Irvine, pay their son's Montessori school in Irvine directly from their bank accounts, according to LAist.
With care costs of $2,020 a month exceeding their rent in a two-bedroom apartment offered through the university, they have little room left over for unexpected costs, such as a recent urgent care visit.
The family has begun to put such expenses onto their credit cards, even while they've worked to reduce spending by growing their own vegetables, rarely eating out, and sharing one car.
New research from the Bank of America Institute indicates that nearly 8% of U.S. families are paying over $2,000 monthly for child care. According to CBS, many families are also seeing such costs rival rent and grocery bills.
Facility and food costs are hitting child care providers too. LAist noted that these financial pressures have prompted many to raise tuition, exacerbating the crunch for families.
Pamela Arciaga, a Glendale mother who works in early childhood advocacy, told the L.A. outlet that child care costs contributed to her near $20,000 credit card debt. Arciaga did not qualify for subsidies, and her son's preschool costs $1,000 a month for just three days of care each week.
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LAist's review of Federal Reserve data found that median costs for families purchasing at least 20 hours of weekly child care rose 38% from 2023 to 2025.
What can be done?
California families looking for care may be able to turn to MyChildCarePlan, a state-and-local referral directory, as described by LAist.
The Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles also connects families with assistance through its partner agencies.
For eligible low-income households with infants and toddlers, Early Head Start offers child development services.
Where can I learn more?
Child care and housing costs are straining family budgets well beyond Irvine.
• San Francisco is expanding child care aid, offering free tuition and 50% off to families.
• California families need $101,213 for a stay-at-home parent and one child to cover living costs.
• A Texas child care worker's baby remains on a 190,000-child waitlist despite priority for access.
• Florida child care and after-school programs could face funding cuts if Amendment 3 eliminates $278 million.
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