Child Care Costs Are Crushing Families. Why Does Illinois' Largest Subsidy Exclude Thousands?

Child Care Costs Are Crushing Families. Why Does Illinois' Largest Subsidy Exclude Thousands?

While the state infuses hundreds of millions a year into child care programs, the strict eligibility requirements and limitations for its largest child care subsidy exclude tens of thousands of families.

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

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. Child care has become one of the biggest line items in a family’s budget, with …