Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 14, 2025 NEW SURVEY: Including Mass., it now costs more for child care than public college tuition in 38 states; Child care surpasses average rent costs in 17 states Massachusetts has highest annual cost child care in the nation, over $20,000 per child; College tuition here just over $15,000 on average By Steve Freker P arents who rely on daycare for their children are well aware of the "sticker shock" in store for them when paying the bills. For a number of years, it has SOARING COSTS— The cost daycare is soaring so that now in some 38 states— including Massachusetts— it is higher than the cost of public college tuition. In 17 states, cost of daycare is higher than rent in those states. (Courtesy Photo) been confirmed that Massachusetts leads the nation in average annual and monthly child daycare cost, right around $20,000 — even more for infant care. According to a new report released last week by Tootris News and Education Center, the high cost of Child Care in Massachusetts can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the high cost of living in the state. Other factors include high housing costs, along with other essential expenses like food and transportation, which all remain quite high. In an eye-opening report also released in the past week, the cost of child care now exceeds 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! wage workers, including those who provide child care. EPI analysts said that the time DAYCARE— Daycare is essential for working families and many are struggling between these and other ever-increasing bills. (Courtesy Photo) the price of college tuition in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to a new analysis conducted by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The Washington, D.C.-based policy group used 2023 federal and nonprofit data to compare the monthly cost of infant child care to that of tuition at public colleges. The total number increased by five more states since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic began. The analysis also found child care costs have exceeded rent prices in 17 states and the District of Columbia. The organization released a state-by-state guide on Wednesday showing the escalating cost of child care. Average costs range from $521 per month in Mississippi to as much as $1,893 per month in Washington, D.C., for households with one 4-yearold child, EPI found. Child care is unaffordable for working families across the country, but especially for lowis now for the federal and state government to step in and find a way to provide relief for families beset by soaring child care costs. “Federal and state policymakers can and should act to make child care more affordable, and ensure that child care workers can afford the same quality of care for their own children," said EPI Senior Economist in a news release. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does have programs in place to help families pay for necessary, but high-cost daycare. Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance programs (CCFA) can help you pay for child care and out-of-school time programs. It is overseen by the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care. CCFA eligibility is based on who is in your family, income, and certain expenses. “Eligibility” means who can and can’t get the benefit. If you aren’t sure if you are eligible, family access administrators can help you find out. Go to https://www.mass.gov/ how-to/apply-for-funds-to-helppay-for-child-care for more information. Upcoming events for the Friends of Fellsmere Heights F irst Fellsmere Park Cleanup of 2025! Save the date – Ward 3 Councillor Amanda Linehan and the Malden Girl Scouts will host a cleanup of Fellsmere Park on Saturday, Our March meeting will be on www.810bargrille.com Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the home of Len Murello! Lenny’s home is a classic Victorian in Malden, full of interesting period details. This is not a board meeting, but a chance for all of us to discuss our work. The meeting will April 19, starting at 9:00 a.m. Trash bags, gloves, pickers, etc., will be provided, as well as water and snacks. We will send out a separate email with more details and start at 10:30, but please arrive any time after 10 to enjoy some light refreshments and conversation. We will begin with a brief Steering Meeting and then open the discussion. We really, really need to know how many people will be there, an RSVP, so we can know how many of our Friends plan to show up. We will share this information with the Councillor, who also plans to post it on Facebook. Our next meeting is in person so if you plan to attend go to https://www.fellsmereheights. org and click the events tab to sign up and receive the address. There is on-street parking all around the home, and we’re hoping for good weather. Please join us!
3 Publizr Home