If you have ever looked at your child care bill and thought, “How can child care possibly cost this much?” you are not alone.

Then you may hear what early childhood teachers earn and wonder, “Wait. Where does all that money go?”

That is one of the strange realities of child care: it can be expensive for families and still not generate enough revenue to cover the true cost of providing high-quality care.

I am currently a supervisor at Edward’s Church for our summer enrichment program! During the school year, I work with our after-school program.

There is a very real need in our community for childcare, especially childcare that accepts children with disabilities. According to the Iowa Women’s Foundation, Scott County has already lost 38% of its childcare businesses over the past 5 years.