It found that good programs could be found in both the public and private sectors, but the best day care tended to cost twice as much as low-quality care. At Big Mama's Day Care Center in Washington, D.C., director Debbie Hall knows all too well that day care is expensive. She says even though about half the children attending her center have their fees subsidized by the federal government, she still has to absorb some of the costs in order to provide quality care. They recommended that the states and Congress spend more money on day care programs, worker training and salaries and tax credits for working parents, especially those leaving welfare rolls. The administration also wants to create a new tax credit for employers to provide day care for their workers.
Republican leaders have similar proposals.
Correspondent Eileen O'Connor and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Pages will open in a new browser window External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .