Jennifer Williams plays with her sons at home. She spoke about her decision to leave her job to care for her children. This choice, although difficult, felt right for her family. Williams, with her sons Skyler and SJ, experiences a change familiar to many parents.
Initially, Williams planned to work full-time. However, when her second son arrived, financial constraints led her to resign from her school counseling position in Oklahoma City. The expense of two children in daycare influenced this decision.
Childcare costs have surged nationwide. According to Child Care Aware of America, childcare prices have increased by over 20% from 2022 to 2025, reaching an average of $13,184 annually. Similar trends are seen in infant care costs.
In Oklahoma, cited as the fourth-most-affordable state by U.S. News & World Report, childcare prices rose significantly. Between 2022 and 2025, costs for a 4-year-old increased by 9%, while infant care costs jumped by 20%. State data shows a 36% rise in infant care since 2022. In contrast, Louisiana recorded a 21% increase for a 4-year-old and 30% for infant care. Washington, a less affordable state, saw a 41% rise in childcare costs across the board.
Anne Hedgepeth, former senior vice president at Child Care Aware of America, emphasized that prices increased due to several factors. States regularly perform market-rate surveys to set subsidy levels, but many delayed these surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, subsidies lag behind inflation-driven price hikes.
Childcare operations face similar financial challenges as families. They manage expenses such as food, supplies, and rent. Families have responded by contributing more money, while providers made cuts to adjust to financial pressures.
“You can’t reimburse us at 2018 rates and expect us to meet 2026 costs,” stated Katie Quebedeaux of the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s subsidy adjustments, based on 2017 data, failed to keep pace with rising costs. A change in income eligibility for aid in October will further challenge families. Additionally, national accreditation requirements for providers add financial burdens.
The Oklahoma Human Services’ Child Care Services office stated that expanding the rating system aligns with national efforts to inform families and enhance provider quality recognition.
During the pandemic, Oklahoma used federal funds to bolster provider subsidies with an additional $5 per child per day. However, the program ended in April. This cut affected providers financially, as explained by Rachel Proper of Child Care Inc. She noted that losing the $5 add-on led to an 18% decrease in her business revenue.
Changes included reduced staff benefits and operating hours, and the elimination of dinner services. Basic supplies, like baby wipes, also became too costly.
Some states are actively exploring solutions. Michigan and Kentucky implemented a “tri-share” model, where costs are divided between the state, employer, and family. Yet, this model links childcare to employment, which might not be sustainable long-term.
Iowa’s approach includes a fund matching private and state investments, expected to create nearly 11,000 new childcare slots. This initiative anticipates adding 5,000 more women to the workforce.
In Oklahoma, a pilot program aims to tackle daycare worker shortages and high costs. It enhances subsidy access for childcare facility employees. New Mexico stands out with universal, no-cost childcare.
Parents continue to struggle with costs. Child Care Aware of America reveals that 10% of a married couple’s median income goes to childcare, with single parents spending 33%.
Efforts to address childcare affordability are ongoing. However, families continue to feel the financial strain.
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