In this podcast episode, we explore the intricate economics of childcare, revealing a significant disconnect between the increasing costs families face and the insufficient funding available for providers. This imbalance leads to a cycle of low wages and heavy financial strain. Listeners hear from Jordan McClay, a daycare director, who shares firsthand insights into the financial challenges of running childcare facilities, including the struggle to break even amid regulatory hurdles and rising costs. The discussion also covers Proposition A in Texas, which aims to subsidize childcare through higher property taxes. This proposal sparks an important conversation about the value of investing in child development and the broader economic impacts of the childcare crisis, while also suggesting potential avenues for meaningful systemic change.