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Mikaya Thurmond: 'My jaw dropped' when I saw these childcare statistics

After days of research, I learned that North Carolina moms and dads are paying daycares three times the state recommended amount for childcare.

Posted 2017-09-29T10:53:22+00:00 - Updated 2018-07-13T15:15:41+00:00

By the numbers: The shocking costs of childcare

Mikaya Thurmond

As woman who hasn't yet had children, my jaw dropped.

A Care.com data specialist sent me an email with newly released research on the cost of childcare in America. The statistics revealed that families are making "college tuition" payments to daycares. As I read the report, I was overwhelmed with questions. I wanted to dig deeper to find out whether our state was better or worse than the national average.

After days of research, I learned that North Carolina moms and dads are paying daycares three times the state recommended amount for childcare.

Rebecca Quinones and Rachel Gandy, certified pediatric physical therapists and Triangle moms, launched the business to help parents.
Courtesy: Babies On The MOVE — Rebecca Quinones and Rachel Gandy, certified pediatric physical therapists and Triangle moms, launched the business to help parents. Courtesy: Babies On The MOVE

In fact, North Carolina parents are spending more than the average American family. Sitting at my office desk, I turned to my co-workers in disbelief. I asked parents like Cullen Browder, Julia Sims and Sloane Heffernan if they felt the data was accurate. Each of them shared story after story about the high cost of child care in North Carolina.

That's when I knew that parents deserved some sort of explanation. They needed to know why the costs are skyrocketing and what they can do to save money. On Tuesday, we will answer all of those questions at 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.