Washington state infant care now averages over 21K a year

A recent report from Child Care Aware reveals that Washington state has some of the highest daycare costs in the U. S. , with average annual tuition for infants reaching $21,348. This annual cost is about $8,000 more than the tuition at the University of Washington. The increasing financial strain caused by high childcare expenses often forces parents, especially mothers, to reduce their working hours or leave the workforce altogether.

Families with multiple children face even greater challenges, as the average cost for daycare for both an infant and a toddler is $38,256. This steep expense represents nearly 30% of the median household income for married couples in Washington, which is approximately $145,513. Only Massachusetts, California, Maryland, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia report higher childcare prices. The implications of these rising costs highlight the urgent need for policy discussions surrounding affordable childcare solutions. Addressing these financial pressures is crucial for supporting working families in the state.