This fact sheet briefly presents key findings from a study of nontraditional-hour child care in Austin/Travis County that are most relevant to local policymakers. Findings are based on an analysis of data collected through interviews and focus groups and analyses of survey and administrative data.

Key findings:

• About one-third, or about 18,000 young children, in Austin/Travis County need nontraditional-hour child care, but only about 2,000 regulated child care spaces are available during nontraditional hours.
• In Travis County, the lack of child care during nontraditional hours disproportionately affects families already affected by structural racism and lack of workforce opportunities.
• Austin/Travis County study participants reported a range of consequences from inadequate supply of nontraditional-hour child care, including decreased financial well-being for families and reduced ability to access talented employees for businesses.
• Policymakers can take action to increase the supply of nontraditional-hour child care to meet families’ needs. Actions include pilot testing strategies and exercising flexibility to create policies to support the types of home-based care that parents prefer during many nontraditional-hour periods.