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 Maryland 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 Maryland at $19,906 and for a preschool-age child at $12,771. The average annual price of care for an infant in a family child care home is $14,320 and is $10,136 for a preschool-age child. Maryland Family Network found that 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 $27,922 in 2023, 25.7% of median family income.
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.

Mothers with Children Under Age 5 (McKinsey & Company Survey, 2022)

53%
Mothers who left the workforce, reduced their hours or moved to a less-demanding job said they did so because of child care responsibilities
69%
Mothers who said they would be more likely to choose an employer that offered assistance with child care expenses
83%
Mothers who said child care benefits would be a “very important” or “somewhat important” factor in taking a job