Scholarships for child care dry up in the US, leaving families in financial crisis
Working parents struggle as child care aid ends (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Federal cuts to child care assistance programs are putting families across the United States in a tough spot as they face rising costs and dwindling support, reports AP News.
For many working parents, federally funded scholarships used to be a lifeline, helping them afford the steep cost of child care.
However, with the expiration of pandemic-era funding and recent budget cuts, more and more qualified families are being turned away.
In states like Arizona, Colorado, and Texas, parents applying for assistance now face long waitlists, while in Nevada and Oklahoma, copayments have increased or the number of children served has decreased.
Last week, the Trump administration cut jobs in the Office of Child Care, which previously helped states implement assistance programs and enforce safety standards.
Ruth Friedman, who led the Office of Child Care under former President Joe Biden, expressed concern: "What it means is that ultimately child care will become less safe, it’s going to become more expensive, and it’s going to become harder to find."
Families feel the financial squeeze
In Phoenix, Janeth Ibarra, a child care worker and mother of twin boys, used to receive a full scholarship, but this year, she found herself on a waitlist due to a lack of funding.
Now, despite earning $16.50 an hour, she struggles to cover over $1,200 a month in child care costs.
"Even with overtime, it’s barely survivable," Ibarra admitted, sharing how she had to dip into her savings to afford special formula for one of her sons.
Meanwhile, in Idaho, lawmakers rejected pandemic aid for child care, pausing program applications and tightening income limits.
Previously, a family of four earning up to $56,000 could qualify for assistance, but now only those making less than 130% of the federal poverty line ($41,795) are eligible.
As states grapple with maintaining support amid funding cuts, families are left to make tough choices, balancing work and child care costs with little relief in sight.
