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Child-Care Voucher Model Analysis
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Volume 33, 2026Abstract
This paper explores one state, city, and federal childcare program to determine an appropriate state-run childcare model for Washington state, as well as provide other policy recommendations based on the gaps found in each. As of 2025, infant care in Washington State will cost 154 percent more than public college tuition and take up 17.5 percent of median family income in Washington State. Intervention is needed to improve childcare affordability. The analysis scores each program based on four components: family cost coverage, eligibility, accessibility, and financial sustainability of the system itself. Weights are added to emphasize the importance of social outcomes and usability. After weighting scoring, the New Mexico model scores the highest due to universal coverage, broad eligibility, and sustainable funding sources. However, New Mexico struggles to provide great access in practice due to restrictions to formal care. Adapting NYC’s practice of covering the cost of informal care would create better utility for families in Washington state. In addition, New Mexico’s financial model that relies on natural oil resources, would be difficult to emulate due to Washington’s high reliance on green energy.