Utah's Childcare Crisis: Navigating the lack of availability and affordability in a costly world

Recent data show that the average family of four needs to make more than $200,000 to live comfortably in Utah. With rising inflation and a more expensive cost-of-living, childcare costs have skyrocketed. It's left many families with questions: Can we even afford to have two working parents, or does the cost of childcare negate a second paycheck?  

Utah is unique among states, with traditionally large families and a long history of stay-at-home mothers, but it's now being challenged in the face of economic hardship. How are parents and providers coping with affordability issues? Where does Utah stand in terms of childcare costs and availability? And what's being done to try and alleviate some of the concerns facing Utah families today? 

In this special, KSL NewsRadio's Heather Peterson explores the childcare landscape in Utah through the eyes of parents, daycare providers, childcare advocates, state officials, and lawmakers.  

Hosted and produced by Heather Peterson; technical production by Ryan Meeks 

Conference Conversations is special programming with content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends. 

Special programming and content brought to you by KSL NewsRadio for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference weekends. Listen for great conversations of faith that will appeal to all believers.