Silicon Valley parents face highest childcare costs in the country
New Mom-powered App, June Care, makes childcare accessible & affordable for local families, just as many companies call employees back to work
While a national survey ranked California among the top states with the least affordable child care, Silicon Valley tops the list as the most expensive region for infant childcare in the country, with the average cost totaling $26,830 a year, according to the 2023 Joint Venture Silicon Valley Index. In addition to the expense, areas like San Jose are considered a childcare desert, which means there are more than 3 children for every one available childcare slot.
During the pandemic, more than 300 daycares closed in Silicon Valley and many never re-opened. This shortage of childcare options is adding to the strain on parents, as many traditional centers have long waitlists to get in, just as many companies are calling employees back to the office.
Some parents are likely to leave the workforce altogether, continuing The Great Resignation that contributed to 2X more women becoming stay-at-home moms in 2023 than 2022.
A new App called June Care is working to solve this, by giving working parents access to affordable childcare close to home. June Care connects families that need childcare with trusted moms and nearby sitters who can care for their kids.
The start-up was founded by Los Altos mom and entrepreneur, Gretchen Salyer, after she witnessed her friends and neighbors struggling to find reliable childcare during the pandemic. What started as organizing childcare swaps in her neighborhood has now expanded to a national childcare marketplace, and has been called the Uber and Airbnb of childcare.
“As a mom who’s navigated the challenges of finding quality care, I know firsthand how critical it is to have trusted support. June Care brings that support into neighborhoods, making childcare more accessible and affordable. It’s not just an App—it’s a movement of families empowering one another.”
The company is addressing the childcare crisis that impacts 51% of American families by offering reliable childcare to South Bay parents. It also allows stay-at-home moms an opportunity to earn income while they’re home with their own kids.
JUNE stands for Joining Up Neighbors Everywhere and June Care is working to build a Village by offering families access to childcare and income opportunities.
“As a homeschooling mom, we love June Care,” said June Care Provider Diana Martin. “My kids make new friends, I get to socialize with other moms and on top of that, I make extra income. As a new mom and as a childcare provider, June Care has been such a blessing to our family.”
June Care can be used as a daycare alternative, for part-time or after hours care, and occasional babysitting services. All June Care providers set their own hourly rates and schedules, so families can find one that meets their schedule and budget. There are no contracts or waitlists, unlike many local daycare centers which have long waitlists to get in.
The company also allows employees to use their corporate childcare benefits to access their network of 50,000 vetted providers, who can accommodate any work schedule on short notice with no waitlists.
Parents looking for childcare can create an account at junecare.co and connect with local moms who can care for their kids in minutes. It’s a great option for families who are currently waitlisted or need flexible, part-time or after hours/weekend care. To find out more, visit junecare.co.
