Our economy depends on working parents and caregivers having adequate access to child care. Yet, for many families in Illinois, infant-toddler care is simply out of reach, with enough spots statewide for only one in five children. Even when a spot is available, it is often unaffordable, with costs reaching a staggering $16,373 per year—over a third more expensive than preschool and even 6.6% higher than in-state tuition at Illinois’ public universities. These first three years are the most critical developmental period in the entire human lifespan, but we are shortchanging our children and their families exactly when the potential benefit is greatest. 

Quality care for children under age 3 is labor intensive and expensive. Yet, reimbursement rates for providers do not consider the true cost of providing this care, contributing to abysmally low wages for caregivers. In fact, nearly half (46%) of child care workers in Illinois are paid so little that they receive some form of public benefits (e.g., EITC, Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF).