Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. Learn More

Child Care: From Market Failure to Strategic Investment

PRINT

High-quality child care is an essential service that benefits children, families, and the economy. However, rising costs and fragmented workforce structures are contributing to an overall market failure. Many families are finding reliable care to be out of financial reach, early educators are not earning livable wages, and child care programs are struggling to stay open.  

These challenges limit family stability, workforce participation, and long-term economic growth, but deepening the understanding of these failures can help identify real solutions. 

This brief reveals the broad benefits of high-quality care, explains why child care is a market failure, and highlights how government investment can strengthen families and deliver high returns for society.   

Learn more about building a child care system that centers family and economic success.

Related

Doula Supporting a Couple

State Approaches to Supporting the Community-Based Doula Workforce

Community-based doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents, starting during pregnancy and continuing throughout the postpartum period.
Community-based doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents, starting during pregnancy and continuing throughout the postpartum period.
Happy toddler girl in yellow blouse

State Policy Academy: Early Childhood Governance

State approaches to early childhood governance vary widely — and those choices affect whether families can access the services they need. The State Policy Academy: Early Childhood Governance, explores how organizational decisions impact the effectiveness of programs and services for young children and their families.
State approaches to early childhood governance vary widely — and those choices affect whether families can access the services they need. The State Policy Academy: Early Childhood Governance, explores how organizational decisions impact the effectiveness of programs and services for young children and their families.
A small child sits on a soft mat, focused on stacking colorful rings and holding a toy, while a caregiver engages nearby in a warm home setting

Renewed Support from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund Fuels Continued Growth and Impact at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Funding will support policy research and evidence translation to inform state action and improve outcomes for young children and families As families navigate evolving social and economic challenges, advancing evidence-based policy solutions is critical. The