Study Shows That Finding Affordable Quality Child Care Can Be Difficult

Sonora, Ca — A new study released today by the statewide California Child Care Resource and Referral Network says that the demand for affordable, quality child care surpasses the statewide supply.

“There is a critical shortage for families,” says Resource and Referral Program Coordinator Chris Mackenzie with the local agency in Tuolumne County.

“There have been recent new child care slots that have opened (Sonora Area), but last year there were no child care centers that took infants in their program, and family child care homes in the Sonora area had only one to two openings throughout most of the year.”

According to the study, the cost of licensed child care remains a challenge as families search for care that accommodates their schedules and needs. Child care expenses in 2006 averaged $6,747 for one child. New centers that recently opened in the area are charging $7,560-$9,324 for infants, according to Mackenzie.

In response to the study, Mackenzie feels a better overall structure needs to be formed to help families find and afford childcare in the state of California.

Written by BJ Hansen