Child care beneficial to economy

Considering the need for universal quality child care from the perspective of the costs we pay when our children do not have this experience reveals many hidden but critical dividends.

Of course, when mothers can access quality child care for their children, they can work full time and add to the economy. According to research from Columbia University and the National Women’s Law Center, the direct result is an increase of 17% in the number of women who work full time. Their taxes are then available to the country and their earnings are quickly spent on necessities for their families. Children are lifted out of poverty, and their families remain intact.

Affordable and accessible child care frees mothers’ minds to focus on work, relationships, parenting and participation in society and allows them to utilize learning opportunities for personal and professional growth. I was able to complete a BSW as a single mother when I had child care for my son and worked full time. My education and skills allowed me to improve the lives of children and families, protect children from harm, and provide skilled therapy for child crime victims. Without child care, my goal would never have been realized.

Another way child care saves us money is by eradicating the costs to society when children are not taught early to work and play amicably with others, make group decisions, recognize their feelings and express them in a socially approved manner. We pay dearly in school counselors, special education, juvenile detention and eventual prison when people have not been taught the essential skills to succeed in society.

Laura Avant, Denver