ADDRESSING THE TEXAS CHILDCARE CRISIS ADDRESSING THE TEXAS CHILDCARE CRISIS
Critical investment is needed in Dallas County and beyond
Critical investment is needed in Dallas County and beyond
The 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report, published by Texas Women’s Foundation, establishes a clear connection between women’s economic security and the strength of public and social infrastructure, including childcare, education, healthcare, and housing. In a follow-on report, TXWF explores the Texas childcare crisis and its impact on the state’s economy, with a spotlight on Dallas County as a bellwether.
See below for key findings. Full report coming soon to txwf.org/research.
Key Facts
In Texas, center-based infant care costs over $11,000 per year. In Dallas County, centerbased infant care consumes approximately 12.5 percent of median family income.
A minimum wage earner in Texas would have to work full time for 37 weeks just to afford care for one infant.
The limited availability of infant, toddler, after-school, and summer care creates year-round employment instability for working families.
The Buffet Early Childhood Institute projects that ongoing childcare shortages, left unaddressed, could result in a $5.5 billion - $8.3 billion long-term economic impact across the state.
Based on average annual earnings, Dallas County foregoes an estimated $1.63 billion in direct earnings associated with mothers who do not participate in the workforce.
Targeted reductions in childcare costs, ranging from $100 - $400 per month, could support 1,700 to nearly 7,900 additional working mothers and generate between $65 million to $260 million in annual regional economic activity.
Addressing the childcare crisis is critical to advancing economic security for Texas women, their famililes, and their futures.
