Idaho Has Least Childcare Regulations, Vermont The Most Out Of The 50 States

Excerpt:

Idaho ranks as the freest of the 50 states when it comes to childcare regulations, while Vermont is the least free, according to a new report from the Archbridge Institute.

Vice president of policy at the Archbridge Institute Edward Timmons told The Center Square that its index “is meant to give state policymakers some guidance on how regulations compare across states.”

“Finding this information is not easy and the index boils down this comparison to a unique and novel ranking,” Timmons said.

“Academic research provides evidence that stricter regulation is associated with higher childcare prices, but there is little evidence that it improves child safety.” Timmons told The Center Square.

“The lack of affordable childcare reduces parent labor force participation, especially for mothers,” Timmons said.

“As states look to improve access to childcare services, special attention should be paid to regulation so that it properly balances safety with affordability and access,” Timmons said.

Read the full article at The Center Square.

Read the State Childcare Regulations Index report here.