In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many families rely on daycare facilities to support their children’s upbringing. In the United States, many families with both parents employed seek alternative childcare options to balance their work and family life.
However, the perception and structure of daycare systems vary vastly across borders. A Finnish mom, Annabella Daily, recently shared insights into the Finnish daycare system, which seems to be a dream come true for many parents.
The Finnish Approach to Childcare
Compared to the American daycare system, Finnish daycares are seen as a “village” that holistically nurtures children.
These facilities are not just places where children are looked after; they are environments where children are encouraged to be independent and learn through play.
The educators in these facilities are specialists in early childhood upbringing, focusing on nurturing the child’s overall development rather than just imparting education.
Learning Through Play
Children between the ages of one and six attend Finnish daycares, emphasizing learning through play.
These facilities provide warm meals and healthy snacks in a designated dining area, fostering community and togetherness among the children.
Moreover, children are encouraged to explore various activities such as art, music, and crafts, fostering a well-rounded development.
Outdoor Activities and Potty Training
One of the standout features of Finnish daycares is the emphasis on outdoor activities. Children spend hours outside every day, encouraging physical activity and exploration.
Additionally, the specialists at these daycares assist in potty training the children at their own pace, using facilities designed to help kids learn independently.
Affordability and Accessibility
One of the most striking aspects of the Finnish daycare system is its affordability. With a maximum cost of $325 a month, it is a right accessible to every parent and child, contrasting sharply with the high costs associated with American daycares.
This affordability does not compromise the quality of care, with facilities offering flexible timings to suit the needs of individual families.
The American Daycare Dilemma
In the United States, the soaring costs of daycare have become a significant concern for many families. According to the National Database of Childcare Prices ², the most comprehensive source of local childcare price data covering 2,360 counties across 47 states, the cost of childcare services is alarmingly high, even in the lower-priced areas.
The data, adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars, reveals that the prices fluctuate between $5,357 for school-age home-based care in smaller counties to a staggering $17,171 for infant center-based care in larger counties, accounting for 8% to 19.3% of the median family income per child. This financial strain is further exacerbated by the low wages of childcare workers, who earn a median of $13.22 an hour, making it difficult to attract sufficient workers and leading to the emergence of childcare deserts with limited options for families.
The data underscores the urgent need for substantial government investment to ensure the childcare sector’s adequacy and prosperity.
Build Back Better
Recent developments in American politics indicate potential changes, particularly with the passage of the Build Back Better Act in August 2022. This legislation, also known as H.R. 5376, is a transformative bill aimed at addressing various financial challenges American families face.
The Act includes provisions to ease the financial burden of childcare on families, such as implementing universal preschool and setting limits on childcare costs based on income.
It is designed to create jobs, lower taxes, and reduce costs for American families, all while ensuring that individuals earning less than $400,000 annually do not face increased taxes. Over a decade, the Act is expected to generate an average of 2 million jobs annually.
Reducing Child Care Cost
Some of the Act’s key provisions encompass negotiating lower drug prices, capping insulin costs at $35 per month, and introducing a new out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 for Medicare Part D. Additionally, the Act focuses on reducing childcare and family care costs, with the majority of families projected to save more than half of their current childcare expenses.
Furthermore, the legislation proposes universal preschool for all 3 and 4-year-olds and establishes a universal paid family and medical leave program. It also seeks to extend the Biden Child Tax Credit, benefiting over 35 million families.
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Sources
- schakowsky.house.gov/build-back-better-act
- blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.