Policies
Name the Washington childcare subsidy program that provides free or low cost childcare to families in Washington.
Washington's Working Connections Child Care subsidy program
What are the different types of childcare subsidies?
Government vouchers, grants, federal income tax credit
How much does the U.S. spend annually on early childhood care per child?
Which federal program provides early learning, health, and family services to 3 and 4-year-olds of low income families?
Suppose the Department of Education announces a new grant program dedicated for those in Early Education undergraduate programs.
Explain what will happen to the supply of childcare programs.
Supply will increase as more qualified teachers will enter the workforce.
What is the percentage of how much childcare providers operate on their current capacity as opposed to their authorized capacity in the U.S.?
74%
Which group of student borrowers are more likely to take low-paying public interest jobs, like Head Start teachers?
Grant recipients.
Suppose Washington lawmakers passed a bill that increases the amount of subsidies low-income families get every year.
Draw a graph to show what happens to either supply or demand in the private childcare market.
Demand curve shifts rightward.
Head to https://www.americanprogress.org/article/americas-licensed-child-care-deserts/.
What is the percentage of children in the U.S., under age 6, living in child care deserts?
46%
Which U.S. state now requires families to reapply for childcare subsidies every 12 months instead of 6?
New Mexico.
Explain the effects on the market if childcare supply is very elastic.
Price increases should not be significant, Quantity supplied of childcare slots increases.
What is the slot rate increase that took effect in 2022-23 as a result of Washington's DCYF ECEAP program adding 800 additional slots?
1.6%
What is the newly passed federal government bill that is causing state governments to make cuts to early childhood programs?
Big Beautiful Bill Act
List one positive and one negative externality that arises with subsidizing childcare programs/centers.
Positive(s):
- Productivity
- Helps prepare kids for kindergarten education
- Supports cognitive development of children in childcare centers (e.g., exercises creativity, social skills, etc.) - early mental health stability good for environment
- More funding goes towards paying the fixed and variable costs of operations
Negative(s):
- Can drive up market costs for other families
- Fewer options available on the market
- Increased regulation can squeeze out non-compliant childcare centers which decreases supply of childcare programs available
- Inequality as some families are squeezed out of childcare programs
Which age group has a higher enrollment rate in early childcare programs?
5 year olds.
What federal law provides free education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the U.S., as well as providing related services to those children?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.