U.S. families, regardless of income, are facing unprecedented difficulties in securing affordable and accessible child care. A recent report from the RAPID Survey Project at Stanford University confirms this trend, revealing that nearly three-quarters of parents with children under six struggled to find care in June 2025. This isn’t just a problem for low-income households anymore; even high-earning families are feeling the pinch.
The Broadening Crisis
For years, child care affordability was framed as an issue primarily affecting working-class or lower-income families. However, the new data shows a dramatic shift. Eighty-five percent of high-income families reported difficulties finding care, alongside 75% of lower-income and 67% of middle-income families. The dual pressures of rising costs and limited availability are squeezing budgets across the economic spectrum.
This change is driven by multiple factors. Inflation has pushed up the price of basic necessities – from diapers and formula to housing and utilities – leaving less disposable income for families. At the same time, the child care sector itself is grappling with severe staffing shortages.
Why This Matters Now
The situation is more than just a financial burden. A lack of reliable child care directly impacts workforce participation, especially for women. Parents forced to choose between work and care often leave the labor market, exacerbating broader economic challenges. The crisis also highlights systemic failures in supporting families and the essential workers who provide care.
The RAPID study, which began in 2020, shows this is the most widespread effect seen across income levels to date. The researchers classify income based on the federal poverty line ($32,150 for a family of four in 2026), categorizing families earning less than twice that amount as low-income, 200-400% as middle-income, and 400% or more as upper-income.
Political Momentum and Policy Shifts
The growing crisis is beginning to force political action. Mayors and governors in states like New York, Virginia, and New Jersey are now prioritizing affordable child care as a core issue. The Brookings Institution’s recent research reinforces this urgency, finding that one-third of middle-class families struggle to afford basic necessities, including child care.
Some states are already implementing large-scale programs:
– New Mexico has launched a universal child care program.
– Vermont is experimenting with public funding models.
These initiatives signal a potential shift toward government intervention, but more comprehensive solutions are needed.
The Worker Shortage
The problem isn’t just about costs; it’s also about availability. More than half of child care workers reported struggling with hunger due to low wages and long hours. The mass exodus from the field post-pandemic has left thousands of centers understaffed or closed.
According to RAPID, one in five families experienced difficulty finding care due to a lack of caregivers. Nearly 60% of those families cited caregiver shortages as the primary reason. Other disruptions – from utility outages to illness – further compound the problem.
“The questions we’re hearing batted about in the media of, ‘Is affordability a thing or not,’ — our data is showing quite clearly it’s an issue that’s just not an issue for a group different than your own, but for everyone.” — Philip Fisher, Stanford Center on Early Childhood
The child care crisis is no longer a niche problem. It’s a widespread economic and social issue affecting families across all income levels, demanding urgent attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
