COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - South Carolina is losing nearly a billion dollars annually due to the lack of affordable child care, according to a new report.

The study, conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Social Services, highlights a significant gap in child care availability and affordability, forcing many parents to leave the workforce.

"Without adequate childcare, parents cannot work. Parents are forgoing promotions. Parents are not able to continue higher education because they're getting calls from childcare or can't find childcare," said Lavonda Paul, principal and owner of Small Impressions in Taylors.

"A lack of quality childcare centers, a lack of support from the government when it comes to he

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