HOUSTON – A new analysis from the nonprofit research and advocacy organization Children at Risk shows that parts of the Greater Houston area remain “child care deserts,” meaning there are not enough licensed child care openings to meet the needs of working families.
For parents living in these areas, the shortage can mean longer commutes to find care, fewer affordable options, and lengthy waitlists that can impact their ability to work.
“For many families, finding safe and affordable child care doesn’t take a break, even in the summer,” said Santrice Jones-Hare, director of the Strong Start Alliance at Children at Risk.
The organization has been tracking child care deserts in Texas for the past decade. According to Children at Risk, a child care desert is a ZIP code where the number of young children with working parents is more than three times the licensed capacity of available child care providers.
The problem becomes even more severe for families who rely on financial assistance to pay for child care.
Locally, Children at Risk identified some of the biggest challenges in Harris, Chambers and Liberty counties.
In Harris and Chambers counties, more families are applying for child care subsidies, often referred to as scholarships, but funding and available openings have not kept pace with demand.
Meanwhile, Liberty County has seen a decline in access as some child care centers have closed, according to the report.
“Very often when we’re thinking about education, the littles, as I like to call them, are the last to be thought about when they’re the first to enter into the world,” Jones-Hare said.
While cost remains a significant barrier for many families, advocates say availability is often just as challenging.
In many communities, parents may find a provider near their home or workplace only to discover there is a waitlist for enrollment. Some families are then forced to seek care farther away, reduce work hours, or leave the workforce altogether.
“Families have to make that hard decision whether or not they’re going to continue working or provide child care for their child,” Jones-Hare said.
Children at Risk says families looking for child care should begin researching options as early as possible, particularly if they anticipate needing financial assistance.
The organization recommends parents identify providers near both home and work, compare available programs, and apply for subsidy programs as soon as their child is born if they believe they may qualify.
Advocates are also encouraging parents to share their experiences with state leaders and participate in public discussions about child care funding and access.
Children at Risk says addressing child care deserts will require additional investment in providers, expanded access to subsidies, and policies that help ensure families can find affordable, quality care close to where they live and work.