Child care has long been unaffordable and inaccessible for many Americans, costing parents over $10,000 a year on average while more than half of the population lives in "child care deserts" with insufficient supply. Industry advocates warn that the situation could grow even worse in the months to come as pandemic-era funding that has helped stabilize the sector over the past two years is set to expire. The Child Care Stabilization Program awarded assistance to more than 80% of licensed child care centers across the country, which used the money to cover expenses like personnel costs, rent and utilities, and personal protective equipment. Read more at the link in our bio.