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Central Ohio parents want to work, but can’t afford to, new data says
In new data released by the nonprofit Groundwork Ohio, it found that out of nearly 500 parents, one-third have chosen to stay home to offset high childcare costs.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Parents are struggling to make ends meet when it comes to affording childcare.
In new data released by the nonprofit Groundwork Ohio, it found that out of nearly 500 parents, one-third have chosen to stay home to offset high childcare costs. Sixty-six percent of parents are struggling, which is up 10% from 2023.
One area mom who didn’t wish to give her name to protect her children’s privacy said she was paying $2,500 a month for her kids daycare.
“There was no value to it and if you couple in all the sick days, the visits to the doctor because they were getting sick, there is no value except my child is in a semi safe space,” said the mom.
The study also found one-third of parents are also reporting having serious problems paying their mortgage or rent while one-half say they also have issues paying credit card bills and other debt. 61% of non-full-time Ohio moms told Groundwork Ohio they would go back to work if their child had access to quality child care at a reasonable cost.
“I would go back to work at a point when it’s a safe and beneficial thing to do and I say in the sense that my kids aren’t getting sick every day,” the mom added.
Columbus day care owner Twana Parker at Parker’s Learning Center said while affording child care is challenging for most families, it’s even harder on single parents.
“If mom is at work, if she’s working from home, then you have the mom not working from home who has to quit her job because her kids have nowhere to go,” said Parker. “She can’t leave them at home by herself because she then has a case. So it’s a lot for our parents right now.”
Over at America’s Childcare, employee Krista Parker said she thinks qualifications for child care assistance need to be lowered.
“It’s heartbreaking when you don’t qualify over a dollar and I’m telling you they won’t budge,” Parker added.
Groundwork Ohio also found that 1 million parents have also had to cut back on hours worked to help care for their children.
According to recent data, many parents in Central Ohio are facing a difficult reality: they want to work, but simply can’t afford to. The cost of childcare, transportation, and other expenses are proving to be significant barriers for parents looking to re-enter the workforce.
This issue is particularly concerning as we continue to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With job opportunities becoming increasingly scarce and financial strain mounting, many parents are finding themselves in a Catch-22 situation.
It’s clear that more support is needed for these families in Central Ohio. From increased access to affordable childcare options to more robust transportation assistance, there are a number of potential solutions that could help alleviate the financial burdens facing these parents.
As we work to rebuild our economy and support those in need, it’s crucial that we prioritize the needs of working parents in Central Ohio. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can help ensure that all families have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
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