Many Louisiana families struggle with childcare costs, survey finds

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - More than 7,000 children in Louisiana are currently on a waiting list for childcare assistance, and parents who don’t qualify for subsidies are paying more than ever, according to a new survey from the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC).

The findings highlight a growing childcare crisis, with families spending an average of $7,600 per year per child - a cost that rises to $14,000 per year for those without subsidized care.

For Covington mother Sarah Molloy, access to childcare has been easier than most. Her parents live nearby, her husband works full time, and she stays home with her three children. But she recognizes how tough the situation is for others.

“Especially single parents. I don’t see how a single parent can afford it because how can you pay all the bills plus pay for the daycare cost? That’s basically the cost of a private school tuition or even a college tuition,” Molloy said.

LPIC’s Director of Policy and Research, Mattilyn Batson, says Louisiana families are spending more on childcare than in-state college tuition in some cases.

“Childcare stunningly can actually cost more than in-state college tuition every year,” Batson said.

The survey found families making up to $150,000 per year report struggling to afford childcare and basic necessities.

Batson says inflation has driven up operating costs for childcare providers, forcing them to raise prices. The impact is also being felt in public school aftercare programs.

This week, the Jefferson Parish School Board voted to raise aftercare fees from $35 per week to $45 per week starting next school year.

School Board Member Michael Pedalino says the increase helps ensure schools can offer a service parents desperately need.

“They’re literally scrambling to us because their kids are getting off school and they can’t get off of work and they have nobody else to take care of the kids, and that’s the crux of the matter,” said Pedalino.

Batson says state and federal governments could help by sending more funding to programs that offer financial assistance for childcare.

This article was written by Thanh Truong for and published by Louisiana news source Fox 8 News (fox8live.com). This article is being shared for educational purposes.