Child care costs preventing Arkansas mothers from seeking or retaining full-time work, report says

By: Tess Vrbin

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: March 10, 2026

Words: 1,056

Last Updated: 1 week, 3 days ago

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The cost of child care in Arkansas often prevents mothers from seeking or retaining full-time jobs, according to a report released Tuesday by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.

The study found that the average cost of child care in Arkansas is $17,500 per year for a family with two young children. This cost is 27% of Arkansans’ annual median household income, the report states.

“When the cost of care rivals or exceeds what a …

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