Employers Can Help
Supply & Affordability
The availability and affordability of child care remain a top struggle for parents. For many, to obtain or retain a job relies on child care.
The price of child care in Arkansas is high. A 2024 report from Child Care Aware of America listed the average annual price of center-based child care for an infant in Arkansas at $8,869 and for a preschool-age child at $8,219. The average annual price of care for an infant in a family child care home is $7,691 and is $7,038 for a preschool-age child. The combined average price of full-time care for an infant in a family child care home and a preschooler in a child care center was $17,088 in 2023, 21.6% of median income for a family of three, 18.2% of median income for a family of four.
The price of child care in Arkansas is high. A 2024 report from Child Care Aware of America listed the average annual price of center-based child care for an infant in Arkansas at $8,869 and for a preschool-age child at $8,219. The average annual price of care for an infant in a family child care home is $7,691 and is $7,038 for a preschool-age child. The combined average price of full-time care for an infant in a family child care home and a preschooler in a child care center was $17,088 in 2023, 21.6% of median income for a family of three, 18.2% of median income for a family of four.
Employers Can Help
There are many options available for employers to consider to better support the child care needs of working parents. Employers can begin with a survey of employees to better understand their greatest challenges.