Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face — and here in Minnesota, it's among the highest in the nation.

Infant care in the state averages nearly $1,900 a month — that's more than most families pay for a mortgage and is more than the cost of in-state tuition at some public colleges. 

And Minnesota isn’t alone. In more than 40 states, parents say child care is the single biggest expense in their households. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders in early childhood education and child care policy to help us understand what’s behind these rising costs and what families are doing to make it work. 

Guests:

• Angela Clair is the director of early childhood services for the Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul, an early childhood facility that provides care, education and family support to families across the Twin Cities. 
• Clare Sanford serves as Government Relations Chair on the board of the Minnesota Child Care Association. She is also vice president of government & community relations for New Horizon Academy, a family-owned, Minnesota-based child care provider.    

Here are some more resources that were mentioned during the show:

• Kids Count on Us Coalition
• Kids Count on Us Newsletter Sign Up