Advocates say Indiana is suffering from a child care crisis that could be costing the state more than a billion dollars in lost economic impact. IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports.

The group Women for Change says the cost of childcare in Indiana ranks as the most expensive in the country, relative to income. It points to data that shows child care in the state costs more on average than in-state tuition at IUPUI.

Aimee West is Vice President of Communications and Development with Women for Change. She says the problem affects more than parents – it also affects the Muncie community as a whole.

“Mom or dad can’t go out into the workforce until they have childcare,” Says West.

“Which means they’re not earning money, which means our workforce. We’re not rising to the moment.”

Women for Change also states that women are more likely than man to reduce their hours to provide care for their children. Officials fear that unaffordable child care will lead to less women participating in the workforce.

West says families in Indiana spend up to 30 percent of their income on child care programs. Fewer than half of programs in the state rank as high quality.

West says the best way to combat this crisis is to increase government funding to child care service providers. She says without that support, the crisis will get worse before it gets any better.

Those interested in getting involved or learning about the childcare crisis can learn more at the Women for Change website or at their upcoming “Listen, Connect, Participate” event on May 22.