"The difference between the total number of formal early education and care seats (potential supply) and the number of children birth to 5 years of age (maximum potential demand) in a given geographical location, assuming all of these families would desire formal care near their homes." (Source: Boston Opportunity Agenda report: (Re)Building Boston’s Early Education and Care Sector)
The number of qualified early childhood educators working with a given group of children within a licensed childcare program. For example, an adult-child ratio of 2:10 means that there are 2 adults for every 10 children. In determining the regulatory adult-to-child ratio, the ages of children are considered as well as the qualifications of the educators (EEC Chart)
The degree to which the price of child care is reasonable for families as an expense. It is widely accepted that U.S. child care is considered "affordable" if the monthly cost is below 7% of the household's monthly income (Bipartisan Policy Center). However, states maintain different definitions of "affordable" based on family income, subsidy acceptance, and other factors.
Provides developmental and social-emotional screening for children between birth and age 6. The tool is designed to be administered by parents.
Someone who gave birth to their child. It is a more inclusive term than "mother" as it refers not only to cisgender women but also transgender parents, non-binary parents, LGBTQ+ parents, or other parents who can carry and birth children.
The current child care market is often characterized as "broken" because there is a misalignment between the cost of providing care and the amount of money that families are willing and able to pay for that care. In 2022, MA families spent on average $20,913 for infant care. However, these high fees are necessary for providers to "break even" on the cost of operating their businesses. Concurrently, the child care workforce is grossly underpaid. In 2019, child care workers in MA had a median income of just $27,680 per year. Because many child care providers operate with thin financial margins, raising workers' wages would require them to charge families more for care, adding to the affordability crisis.