‘We are at the mercy of child care’: Why does Illinois’ largest subsidy exclude thousands? – Capitol News IL

‘We are at the mercy of child care’: Why does Illinois’ largest subsidy exclude thousands? – Capitol News IL

While the state infuses hundreds of millions a year in child-care programs, strict eligibility requirements and limitations shut out many working families.

‘We’re at the Mercy of Child Care:’ Child Care Costs are Crushing Families — Illinois’ Largest Subsidy Excludes Thousands

By Madison Hopkins and Meredith Newman, Illinois Answers Project May 27, 2025   CHICAGO — A single mother in Kenwood changed jobs in order to find child care – even though it meant possibly working fewer hours and less pay. A couple in Park Ridge has paid so much for care they haven’t been able to start a college fund for their toddler. A family in Lemont delayed buying a home and decided against having as many children as they once hoped for. C…