Child Care Affordability

Child Care Affordability A new national survey, conducted by Impact Research on behalf of the First Five Years Fund, reveals that voters in the United States view child care as a significant contributor to the nation's affordability challenges. The poll, released on July 27, 2026, surveyed 1000 likely voters nationwide between July 6-12, 2026. The findings indicate strong bipartisan support for the Child Care Modernization Act, with almost two-thirds of voters backing the bill and only one in five opposing it. The survey highlights that two-thirds of voters are experiencing major or minor financial strains due to the cost of living, and nearly half have worried about affording essentials in the past six months. More than 80% of voters believe that the cost of child care is a part of this broader affordability crisis. For parents who pay for child care, these costs are a major concern, with 38% listing child care as one of their top two biggest cost issues, closely following housing and groceries. The challenges associated with child care are also impacting workforce participation, with nearly 40% of all voters stating that their ability to work is affected by their coworkers' child care issues. Furthermore, one in five parents with young children report that child care challenges frequently impact their own ability to work. The most popular aspects of the Child Care Modernization Act include expanding supply, reducing costs, and ensuring parental choice. Why this poll exists: Users are being asked to vote on their opinions regarding the national child care affordability crisis and the proposed Child Care Modernization Act. This poll aims to gauge public opinion on the urgency of addressing child care costs, the perceived effectiveness of legislative solutions, and the impact of child care challenges on families and the broader economy. It seeks to gather insights into whether voters believe policymakers are adequately addressing this issue and what priorities they hold for future child care reforms. Source: First Five Years Fund