Child care issues beg for attention

Montana State University researchers are applauded for taking on the increasingly difficult issue of child care. It’s not as glamorous as seeking a cure for cancer, but child care is becoming a formidable obstacle for young families.

The research focuses on child care providers around the state. The researchers have found that costs — which are high everywhere — can vary widely. The information gained through the research can help the state set standardized rates and administer child care subsidies to low-income families more consistently and fairly.

The research will offer some help for a critical situation. But more is needed.

Young families trying to get a start on life face numerous challenges. These range from student loan debt to skyrocketing home prices and health care costs. Add to all that the staggering cost of child care.

Dual-income families have become the norm in today’s economy. But pursuing parallel careers is complicated by the desire to have children. Average daycare center rates have exceeded $200 a week nationally. But those rates vary widely by location, and accessibility is a problem in many places, including here in Bozeman. Most daycare providers have waiting lists.

Crunch the numbers and factor in more than one child, and it becomes apparent that these costs present as big a challenge as launching a career or buying a home. More needs to be done.

Large employers are urged to consider provided child-care services in the workplace. This can be a more affordable enticement to qualified job applicants than higher wages.

Lawmakers should reconsider opposition to an early childhood education proposal offered by Gov. Steve Bullock. All but five states have some sort of public early childhood education program. And the long-term benefits of those programs have been clearly documented. Instituting early childhood education here will give young parents another alternative for child care. And lawmakers are also urged to seek tax incentives that will encourage more providers to get into the business.

Childcare costs will continue to rise and become a major economic problem in the 21st century. More attention to the issue on the part of policymakers, researchers and employers could help provide solutions.