Georgia state senators are considering options to help parents with child care costs in the upcoming 2025 Legislature. According to testimony heard by the state Senate’s Committee on Affordable Childcare, child care costs are currently exceeding the federal measure of affordability in the majority of Georgia counties. This is leading to challenges for parents, especially young mothers, who may have to stay out of employment or education due to high child care costs.
Child care small business owners, like Jana Fox of the Learning Treehouse in Rincon, are struggling to retain qualified teachers due to low pay. The state’s share of the cost for child care services has been stagnant for years, prompting recommendations to create a child care trust fund using a portion of the state’s surplus.
Government involvement with child care has also contributed to rising costs, with suggestions to reexamine regulations and prioritize informal child care options. Potential solutions include implementing a child support requirement for the Child and Parent Services Program to assist low-income families with child care costs.
Committee Chair Brian Strickland expressed optimism that the Legislature will take action to address the affordability of child care in the upcoming session. The plan would require amending the state constitution and approval from Georgia voters. Overall, the goal is to make child care more affordable for parents in Georgia and support child care providers in the state.
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