Coming to Terms with Reality: Why does the U.S. Resist Universal Childcare?

 By: Emma Rayburn

Financial Equivalence of Childcare v. Tax Breaks   

    There is something that is stuck in my mind: universal child care. In America, the topic is part of a full-on debate. On one side, fueled by outdated ideals that children shouldn’t be in households with both parents working, or rather the woman’s place is at home. The other side accepting the fact that two-thirds of American families, both parents work, some through need and some through ambition. As a young woman who has worked with children for most of her life and is looking forward to getting her degree in elementary education to work with the future of the world, it is easy to realize which side I stand with. 

    In America, child care, since forever has been considered a personal problem, not a collective problem, like many things here. Yet, a single-family will pay thousands of dollars in child care in just a year. As most know minimum wage in America is also a hot button topic, and those numbers compared to that problem don’t make for good odds. Then, there is also the idea that the thousands mentioned above don’t always get families the best most well-rounded care their children need. Wherewith Universal Childcare, caretakers are educated and trained and are key components in children’s development. 

    On one side they see universal childcare as an expensive investment that is almost impossible. The other sees it as a sound investment in the future. It brings equality to the workforce and helps children in numerous areas such as education, health, and nutrition. The proposal bridges the gap for children and their families. Early childhood development is important and helps pour the foundation for children’s lives.