Did you know that Nevada ranks as one of the worst states for childcare access and affordability? In 2023, a nationwide report determined that Nevada couples pay a higher percentage of their household income than in any other state in the US.
Nevada is what is known as a “childcare desert,” which means there are more children than there are spots for childcare. This has only gotten worse over time, in part due to a large number of childcare centers and in-home daycares closing in 2020 due to COVID.
While the federal government does technically have a program that is meant to subsidize childcare costs through the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG), in reality, it does not have enough money dedicated to it to be fully funded. In Nevada, this means that while 33% of children qualify for this assistance, 92% don’t receive any of it due to insufficient funding according to a nationwide analysis of the grant program.
In addition, childcare providers are reimbursed for costs through subsidy programs at a significantly lower rate than is recommended: “Low payment rates make it difficult for providers to stay financially afloat and provide high-quality learning experiences. They also force low- and middle-income working families to pay higher child care fees to compensate.”
In comparison, most other wealthy countries provide significant subsidies for childcare costs; our northern neighbor of Canada varies by province, but nationwide, they are working towards a “$10 a day” (approximately $7 in US dollars) limit to what families will spend on childcare costs. In Quebec, they’ve been doing this since 1997; the average family spends around $180 per month on childcare, while low income families pay less.
However, others argue that tax payer dollars aren’t meant to be used for costs they see as a choice — a choice to place children in care versus with a family member or stay-at-home parent. Others who may be in favor of subsidies for childcare say directly offering them to facilities limits parent choice, and instead, the tax credit should be expanded instead, or payments should be provided directly to families.
