Based on the provided text, here’s what would drive private child care prices down, according to the author:
* Scrap onerous requirements for day care workers: Specifically, reducing the educational requirements (associate’s degrees or extensive study plans) for those working with children under 2. The author argues these requirements “don’t actually matter.”
* Expand visa programs: Increase the number of J-1 au pair visas and H-2B visas for nannies.
* Lower rents: This would allow more home-based day care centers to open and possibly charge less. Lowering rents is linked to scrapping regulations that hinder building and potentially ending rent stabilization.
The author believes these measures would increase supply and/or reduce operating costs, ultimately leading to lower prices. They also point out that decreasing demand (through lower birth rates and people leaving New York) could also help, but emphasize the need to increase supply as well.