Illinois

Statewide: The child care cost burden

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published May 8, 2025 at 5:52 AM CDT

Bridgett Vance, a home-based daycare provider in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, comforts a child.

Paying for child care can be a barrier for some to take a job or even to have children. McLean County in central Illinois has the 4th highest average for child care costs in the state behind only suburban Chicago.

Local leaders recognize the problem and have some ideas. We hear about them.

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* Charlie Schlenker talks with Patrick Hoban, Director of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, about the cost of child care in his county and efforts to address the problem.