“Serv and Return” is an occasional series that spotlights a recent exchange on the Alliance listserv—a widely used channel for the network to provide rapid-response resources and support to one another.
Alliance allies often request information from peers in the network through the Listserv. Recently, our allies in Texas requested communications and narrative examples comparing the cost of college to the cost of child care. This question prompted many responses and perspectives, showcasing the unique expertise within the Alliance Network.
Responsive Support providers chimed in with relevant data:
- Child Care Aware of America’s Annual Price of Care report
- The table on page 24 compares the cost of child care to higher education tuition for each state.
- Economic Policy Institute reports similar data in their Child Care Costs in the United States report
Some respondents on the Listserv appreciate this comparison as a communications tool for policymakers, who may be more familiar with higher education costs. Since most people believe college tuition is expensive, the comparison in cost can be striking, strengthening the case for improving child care affordability. However, other respondents expressed concern about this narrative, noting that the comparison ignores some nuances. For example, these expenses occur at different stages in a family’s life. Families seeking child care often have lower incomes than they do later, when they are paying for college. There is also less publicly-funded financial assistance for child care. Finally, what families pay for child care would typically pay for more months and hours of “services” than college tuition.
Others shared alternative ideas for cost comparisons, such as contrasting child care expenses with average rent or mortgage payments. Overall, different types of comparisons hold varying value depending on the audience. Advocates should consider when and how to use these strategies to maximize the impact of highlighting the high cost of child care.