BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 For working parents in Kern County, finding affordable child care has become an increasingly difficult challenge as costs continue to rise far beyond what most families can reasonably afford.<\/p>\n
A recent LendingTree report found that nationwide, parents would need to earn about $400,000 a year to comfortably afford child care for two children. However, in Kern County, the U.S. Census shows the median household income in 2023 was just $67,000.<\/p>\n
“In my job, I meet a lot of people, and I’ve met rich people, and I can promise you they don’t make $400,000 a year,” said Chris Danitschek, a father of three children all under the age of 5.<\/p>\n
Danitschek believes the report isn’t exactly accurate based on his own experience.<\/p>\n
“I’m doing just fine, and I’m making nowhere near $400,000, and I have three kids, and they’re all comfortable,” Danitschek said.<\/p>\n
According to KidsData.org, full-time child care for two children in Kern County can cost more than $27,000 a year. Federal guidelines recommend that child care should cost no more than 7% of a family’s income, but economists with California State University, Bakersfield say baby basics alone can cost nearly $25,000 a year, meaning most families fall short of this standard.<\/p>\n
Danitschek can offset some of that cost through CAPK’s Early Head Start program, which provides free child care and education to qualifying families.<\/p>\n
“A lot of parents share that the cost of having child care in a safe location that they trust is more than, sometimes, they make,” said Savannah Oates with CAPK.<\/p>\n
Oates says across their 30 preschools in Kern County, they serve about 1,300 children. While they once had consistent availability, growing demand has forced many families onto a waitlist in recent years.<\/p>\n
“As we see trends, and we see the general community and what they’re telling us, I believe child care has gone up exponentially,” Oates said.<\/p>\n
The financial burden extends beyond just child care costs.<\/p>\n
“Health care for kids, I know some parents are paying $600 a month just in health care,” Danitschek said.<\/p>\n
Danitschek advises parents to live within their means: don’t buy a home you can’t afford, purchase store-brand supplies, budget, and prioritize spending around children’s needs. He acknowledges that child care requires making sacrifices and patience.<\/p>\n
“You’re going to get poop on your hands. You will get peed on. Just keep going. It’s worth it, it is worth it, it’s worth it,” Danitschek said.<\/p>\n
Officials with CAPK encourage parents to utilize local nonprofits that support families. Parents in need can call CAPK at 211 for assistance.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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