For many families, childcare is a major monthly expense, and the cost continues to rise.
In addition to higher prices, parents are facing limited availability, making it difficult to find a childcare option that fits their needs, schedules and budgets.
Childcare costs increased 5.2% nationwide between September 2024 and September 2025, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The U.S. Department of Labor says families can spend between 8% and 16% of their income on care for just one child. For lower-income families, childcare can account for an even larger share of the household budget.
Parents also may have to coordinate childcare with their work schedules and financial assistance programs.
Asylinn Parmenter, director of ABC Child Care, said the demand for daycare remains high in the community.
“Absolutely, there’s a big need for daycare in the community, finding a spot,” Parmenter said.
Parmenter said families applying for CCIS, a childcare assistance program, may face additional challenges because they need to find a childcare provider while also coordinating care with their employment.
“If you’re applying for CCIS, you have to have a daycare first, but then you also have to line it up with your job,” Parmenter said. “So, it’s kind of a struggle parents have, and we work to try to close that gap.”
With childcare costs continuing to rise and availability remaining limited, families are increasingly balancing the cost of care with other household expenses.