Business owners, employees divided over how much of a struggle child care is, report finds

Topline:

A new report by First 5 California finds that 48% of parents in California — mostly women — find it difficult or very difficult to find affordable childcare. Seventy-two percent of parents had to cobble together more than one source of childcare, like relying on grandparents or neighbors.

Why it matters: Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public health advisory on parental stress, citing childcare costs as one factor. “It definitely is an added stress to parents who are trying to make sure that their children are growing and thriving in the best environment possible while they are able to put food on the table, and make rents or their mortgage,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, executive director of First 5 California.

Missed work: The First 5 California report found that 50% of parents said childcare issues negatively affected their job or career.

Business sense : Business owners who have kids put a much higher priority on childcare as an issue to address, versus business owners without kids (61% vs. 38%). One business owner (unidentified, except for being male) told surveyors: “We pay well enough that the people who work in the office who have children, they have no problems with getting childcare or taking care of it.”

What’s next: The report is part of First 5 California’s new campaign to raise awareness about the affordability issues of childcare and the impact on the state’s economy.

Related:

• How you can advocate for better laws to help your children
• How to find child care for your baby (and get help to pay for it)