After securing a fulfilling job as a secretary for Washington’s child services department, Nicole Slemp’s joy was short-lived. When she and her husband began exploring childcare options for their newborn son, the exorbitant costs shattered their expectations. The most affordable option, at $1,600 per month, would consume a significant portion of Slemp’s salary, while the ideal option would demand a monthly outlay of $2,000 with an extended waitlist. Despite earning a combined income that exceeds eligibility thresholds for government childcare assistance, the couple faces a financial dilemma.