Childcare is a significant household expense for families with young children. Access to affordable and high quality childcare is essential for parents to be able to provide sufficient income for their family while ensuring all of their children's social and educational needs are met. In regions where child care costs are high, family budgets are strained and parents may be forced to sacrifice in the quality of child care arrangements they select for their children. Affordable childcare in a community also strengthens the economy through a larger labor force and stronger tax base.