Child care costs are a part of most family budgets these days but recent data shows that Texas parents are paying more.
According to a recent Marketwatch analysis, the average cost of child care for a 4 year old in Texas is around $7000 annually. But for an infant, child care costs more than in-state tuition at a public college.
Jennifer Short is a working mom who says that finding affordable child care has been a challenge.
"I have two kids. I have one 3-year-old and one 12-year-old that is none verbal and has autism," Short said.
For parents struggling to find affordable care, Shane Montoya with United Way says there are a few options for parents if they qualify.
"Some of the options in the area definitely going to be Headstart," Montoya said.
Though Headstart can help Short with some of her child care dilemmas, she still wishes there were more available options.
"I would love for there to be more programs to pay for child care, because if you are in that low-income range, you are going to have to pay out of pocket," Short said
