On-the-Ground—Inside Illinois’ Rising Cost of Child Care
This summer, as part of a special “On-The-Ground" storytelling project for our latest report, The State We’re In 2025, Advance Illinois’ Early Childhood Policy Associate Kathleen Kimmey had the opportunity to interview two early childhood educators who discussed their unique perspectives on the stubbornly high cost of child care in Illinois.
During their interviews, Michelle Zurita-Sharpe, a special education teacher at Chicago Public Schools’ Blair Early Childhood Center and Cara Craig, a home visitor with Childcare Network of Evanston, highlighted the difficulties families face in navigating the complex system of early childhood education and care services and finding affordable childcare that fully meets their needs. These challenges can cause children to experience disruptions in their continuity of care or prevent them from receiving the full scope of services they need, which can be particularly detrimental for children with disabilities and children who come from immigrant families. At the same time, their stories highlighted the creativity and dedication of educators who work tirelessly to fill these gaps and support the children and families they serve however they can. While shifting federal policies and unpredictable funding continue to create instability for children, families, and providers, both underscored the need for stronger investments and policies to make childcare more affordable and accessible for families across Illinois.