San Diego families are facing a crisis as the costs of rent and childcare combined consume nearly half of a household’s income.
A recent study was conducted by Children First Collective San Diego, a group of nonprofits, public entities, childcare providers and parents, finding solutions for affordable childcare.
The collective found more alarming statistics:
- San Diego’s most recent inflation rate was 3.8%, and the cost of child care rose 8.7% and was the leading cause of the inflation growth
- Two-thirds of San Diego children are living in “childcare deserts” without access to affordable care options
- Families spend about 42.6% of their household income on rent and childcare costs combined; on average, it costs $22,400 annually for an infant to receive childcare in San Diego
- Childcare providers subsidize this public good through low wages. The gap in what providers receive and the cost of quality care is around $1,576 monthly for infants
For parents Jason and Jeanna Bruce, childcare expenses for their two children, 5-year-old Julian and 2-year-old Hazel, are substantial even with employee discounts…