Wisconsin is one of the most expensive states when it comes to the cost of child care. The cost of daycare in the state can be down right crippling.

In some cases, families are devoting almost 17 percent of the household income to pay for child care.

When Stephanie Matthews' son was an infant, her daycare cost were through the roof. She estimates she spent between $750 and $1,000 every month.

“You just grin and bear it and accept it,” Matthews said.

She is not alone. Researchers say families all across the state are struggling to meet the rising costs of childcare.

According to a new study, Wisconsin has the least affordable childcare for infants in the entire country. On average parents here pay about $12,000 a year

“When I think about my young one staying with someone, you just pay it. You find a good daycare center and you do what you have to do to make sure they are safe,” Matthews said.

The study found Wisconsin ranked number one because child care takes up a larger percentage of family income than anyone else in the country. Also, the demand for day care is high here and the cost of running a daycare center is very expensive.

New mom Jennifer Ryan pays about $700 a month for her son to be in daycare part-time. It's a price she's willing to pay.

“For someone who wants to have a little work and a family as well, it is just something I have done, something I have chosen to do,” Ryan said.

Full text available at Today's TMJ4, Milwaukee