1. The median annual child care cost in the Dayton/Hamilton/Middletown/Springfield region ranges from $3,620 for center-based school-age care in Champaign County to $14,189 for center-based infant care in Butler, Greene, Montgomery and Warren counties.
Credit: Alexis Larsen
Credit: Alexis Larsen
2. Waiting lists for a spot in a child care center or preschool can be as much as six months long.
3. New public money, much of it from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, has helped parents and providers, but that is one-time money that will run out.
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
4. Women left the labor force in record numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic as lack of child care made it impossible to work and companies continue struggling to find employees amid the child care crisis.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
5. Studies show quality early learning prepares kids for kindergarten and helps them succeed in school and later in life.
SEE ALL THE STORIES IN OUR CHILD CARE CRISIS 2023 SERIES
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‘Workforce behind the workforce’ challenged by low pay even as child care becomes less affordable
PHOTOS: See kids learning and playing at local child care centers, preschools and at school
New public money helping child care crisis; Advocates say more is needed
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