Child care is still unaffordable, unavailable and low in quality for most American families.
Several studies have found that the majority of child care provided in this country is mediocre to poor, jeopardizing children s safety and development. In addition, a recent study of child care staffing trends concluded that while investments of public funding have increased access to child care and partially alleviated the financial burden on some families, they have largely failed to improve the quality and stability of child care services. Plus, pay for child care providers remains terribly low, despite a proven link between provider pay and quality of care. Moreover, recent changes to the U.S. welfare system have pushed many single parents into a child care market unprepared to meet their needs. We are also witnessing continuing efforts to reduce our national commitment to such vital programs as Medicare, Medicaid and community services, such as Meals On Wheels.