This year’s National Latino Family Report found that two thirds, or 69% of parents working part-time would increase their work hours if affordable child care was available.
But it’s not just those currently employed who would benefit from affordable childcare. About 58% not currently working would be more likely to look for a job. Half of families do not receive child care, 34% said it was because it was too expensive.
“I understand child care is a lot of time, a lot of care, a lot of responsibility,” said Cyntia Flores, a mother of two in Riverside, California. “But at the same time, the prices are sky high. This has been one of the biggest barriers for me. Finding quality child care finally gave me peace of mind.”
About 50% of families spend between $200 to $600 per month on child care—a substantial portion of their monthly income. However, the overwhelming majority of respondents (87%) prefer that a family member provides child care.
The 2024 National Latino Family Report was released March 18, which included key findings on economic and social issues from Latino parents of small children.
In the economy aspect, the report found that nearly a third of families with young children feel they are doing somewhat or a lot better financially compared to last year. A little more than a third, 37% have started savings accounts for their children's future education.
Most families support more funding to make Head Start programs more affordable or free (89%).
In language matters, 91% of families stress the importance of bilingual and multicultural education and 90% desire their children to be bilingual in English and Spanish.
On health, most families surveyed support paid family and medical leave (92%) as well as reducing gaps in healthcare coverage for Latino children.
The parent leadership training program Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors, in collaboration with UnidosUS and BSP Research, unveiled the findings of the National Latino Family Report 2024.
The report was based on survey responses from over 1,500 Latino families across the United States and sheds light on the economic and social issues facing Latino families with children from prenatal to five years old.
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