A new analysis from the nonprofit research and advocacy organization Children at Risk shows that parts of the Greater Houston area remain "child care deserts," meaning there are not enough licensed child care openings to meet the needs of working families.

For parents living in these areas, the shortage can mean longer commutes to find care, fewer affordable options, and lengthy waitlists that can impact their ability to work.

"For many families, finding safe and affordable child care doesn't take a break, even in the summer," said Santrice Jones-Hare, director of the Strong Start Alliance at Children at Risk.