More than half of the families in Utah with very young children have all available parents in the workforce. That’s an indicator of the need for quality, affordable childcare. In addition, parents who are seeking to further their education need good childcare, too.

That’s the topic of a snapshot released by the Utah Women and Leadership Project at Utah Valley University.

In Utah, 59 percent of mothers with children under 6 are in the labor force. Nearly three-quarters of women with children between 6 and 17 are employed. 

Putting those percentages into numbers, in 2017 there were 152,479 children in Utah under age 6 potentially needing childcare. There were only 41,144 slots in formal childcare programs, and only 22,424 children in Utah were in programs that were licensed by the state. Many of the remaining children were cared for in informal situations, including being watched by family and friends.

Nearly one-third of parents who responded to a survey said they had reduced their work hours because of difficulty in finding adequate care. Forty-four percent of parents who did not have children in care said it would help them pursue work or education.

Affordability is also a key factor. Depending on what indicators are measured, Utah’s rank of affordability varies greatly — from second least affordable to second most affordable. One study reported infant care in Utah averages $8,641 a year, which is $2,985 more than college tuition, and nearly as expensive as average annual rent.

Subsidies are available in Utah to help low-income families pay for care. A family can qualify for the subsidies if their income is at or below 56 percent of the state median income and they meet certain work requirements.

Although childcare may be expensive for those who need it, nationwide, the families of childcare workers are more than twice as likely to live in poverty as other families. In Utah, the annual median wage for childcare workers is far below that for all workers in the state, at $22,290 compared to $35,650.

Many parents could improve their economic situation with additional education, but are deterred by the lack of affordable childcare. Many of Utah’s public colleges and universities have preschool programs on campus, providing both childcare and practical experience for early childhood education students. The cost and scheduling concerns may be drawbacks for the student parents, however. Waiting lists for services are also a problem. 

A recent survey of student parents at Utah Valley University showed that some student parents felt guilt, anxiety and shame for putting their children in care. However, it also showed they experienced stress relief, increased confidence and feelings of empowerment once their children were in satisfactory care. 

“Utah has both large families and a tight labor market; childcare is an economic imperative,” the snapshot states. “We must thoughtfully address our childcare needs in order to bolster the state’s economy today and in the future, as well-educated children will comprise tomorrow’s thriving labor force. As we work to improve the childcare landscape, we will benefit families and strengthen the positive impact of women in their communities and the state as a whole.”

To read the full research snapshot, visit https://www.uvu.edu/uwlp/docs/uwschildcare2018.pdf.