3. Child care policies

Government Assistance is limited in the US.Subsidized care available to low-income families only covers a small percent of eligible families.However, tax credits (the Child & Dependent Care tax credit) are available to all families and covers children up to age 13. (Note: the new tax laws of 2018-19 changed these policies somewhat.)

Why is there opposition to government assistance in the US?

What is it about the American value system that leads to such opposition?

Compare short-term vs long-term costs of helping families with child care expenses

6. Ratios of children to childcare workers

What is your reaction to Texas standards and recommended standards for a) the ratios of children to childcare workers allowed, and b) the maximum group sizes allowed?

Texas Standards

Age RangeRatioMax Group Size

Up to 1 year 4:110

1 - 1.5 years5:113

1.5 - 2 years9:118

2 years11:122

3 years15:130

4 years18:135

5 years22:135

6-12 years26:135

Recommended Standards

Age RangeRatioMax Group Size

Infants4:18

Toddlers6:1 12

Preschoolers10:120