Across the nation, parents can expect to pay $12,472 annually, or $1,039 per month, for child care in the U.S. This is a $3,535 difference vs. 10 years ago, equating to a 40% increase over a decade.

Finding a job is difficult work, especially for those with child care needs. Nicole Smith, the owner of a small day care in Columbia, Maryland, is trying to help by offering free drop-in child care ...