JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Children are almost out of school and for many Jacksonville families that means it's time to start paying hundreds of dollars for summer childcare as the cost of child care joins a long list of services that have seen an increase due to inflation.
Families are spending up to 25% of their yearly income just on children care alone, according to national reports and here in Jacksonville parents tells they deciding between paying for summer vacations or day care.
Geneva Barber is waiting on city financial assistance to help her pay for daycare this summer.
"I remember back in the day when may first kid was born, it wasn’t there much for childcare, but now it’s drastic," Barber, said.
Her youngest children are one and seven years old. The most affordable price she’s found is $170 a week.
“It does take a lot of research which is kinda hard when I’m working," Barber, said.
According to a Care.com Cost of Care Report, the average weekly daycare cost last year was $321, a 13% increase from the year past. At that rate, a year of daycare would cost families over $16,000 a year.
For comparison, the cost of Florida State University tuition for the upcoming school year for in-state students is $5,604/year.
“Its hard to make sure that you have suitable child care and still have an active summer with your children," Barber, said.
Spots are still open for city run summer camps programs, available to children ages 6 – 12 which will cost families around $95 dollars per session. The first session starts June 17th.
This year, Rec and Roll will return to the city, these are free park based activities offered in at select city parks, starting June 10th. This is not a summer camp and guardians are advised for young children.