Mothers' Views on the Childcare for Working Families Act

In September 2023, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the Child Care for Working Families Act (S.1354), federal legislation expanding access to affordable childcare and preschool. The study combined a national survey of mothers across regions and the political spectrum with in-depth interviews with mothers from conservative, moderate, and liberal backgrounds to provide qualitative context. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan support for the bill — including consensus on preschool access, childcare affordability limits, and federal-state cost sharing — with more variation on eligibility thresholds and workforce compensation. The findings were shared with the public and Congressional legislators to inform deliberations on childcare policy.

Broad national and ideological representation:
The study reflects input from mothers in 47 states and across the political spectrum, supplemented by in-depth interviews capturing lived experience.
Strong alignment on preschool access:
Mothers across all political ideologies agreed that families should have greater access to quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Widespread support for childcare affordability:
With the exception of some very conservative mothers, respondents overwhelmingly agreed that families should not spend more than 7% of household income on childcare.
Support for federal–state cost sharing:
Mothers across political backgrounds generally supported a funding structure in which the federal government covers 90% of childcare infrastructure costs and states cover 10% during the first two years.
Mixed views on eligibility and workforce compensation:
Mothers were divided on whether families earning less than 85% of state median income should receive free childcare and on whether childcare workers should be paid at parity with elementary school teachers.
Overall support with ideological variation:
While mothers broadly supported the bill, very conservative mothers were more divided on several provisions.

Source: Count on Mothers, Mothers' Views on the Child Care for Working Families Act, September 2023. Community panel survey of U.S. mothers, n=354, with six in-depth qualitative interviews. Research led by a PhD-credentialed researcher.

See the Public Report Request a Briefing

Research Library

Explore Count on Mothers reports — rapid polls and in-depth national studies.

Methodology
Count on Mothers conducts nationally representative research with U.S. mothers, weighted to reflect the population and reported in aggregate. Research is led by a PhD + MPH team. Findings have informed policy, industry, and media, and entered the Congressional Record on childcare, paid leave, and technology policy.

In-depth

Insights into American Mothers' Views on Baby Food Product Safety

This report examines mothers’ concerns about heavy metals and other contaminants in baby and toddler food, drawing on a national survey conducted in collaboration with the Clean Label Project. Nearly 1,000 mothers across the U.S. shared how they assess infant food safety, their awareness of legislative efforts such as California’s AB 899, and where they seek trusted information. Findings show widespread concern about food contaminants, strong support for transparency and regulation, and a notable gap between mothers’ concern and their awareness of existing policy initiatives.

November 29, 2024

View Report →

Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the Safe School Meals Act

In October 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on the Safe School Meals Act, federal legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate in September 2024 to strengthen FDA food safety standards for school meals. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey evaluated the bill's six main provisions — FDA limits on heavy metals, bans on pesticide residues, restrictions on harmful packaging chemicals, food additive reevaluation, grants for farmers and manufacturers to transition to safer practices, and mothers' trust in current FDA standards.

October 31, 2024

View Report →

Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the U.S. Education Climate

In September 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views and firsthand experiences with U.S. public schools, including school enrollment patterns, trust in teachers and administrators, perceptions of school environment, and interest in switching school types. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey captured five core dimensions of mothers' relationship to public education and an open-ended question on the most important problem to solve in their district's public schools. Mothers reported broadly positive views of public schools alongside specific, persistent concerns — most prominently bullying, safety, and administrative accountability.

September 30, 2024

View Report →

Rapid Poll

Mothers' Views on the Bipartisan Childcare Package

In August 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on two bipartisan, bicameral childcare bills introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) — the Childcare Availability and Affordability Act and the Childcare Workforce Act. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey evaluated proposed increases to the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, expanded Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and employer tax credits — alongside firsthand experience using these benefits and assessments of which policy mechanisms would most effectively support families.

August 30, 2024

View Report →

To learn more about partnerships, visit Partner With Us

Shared Priorities and Cross-Partisan Alignment Among Mothers

Research Library

Insights into American Mothers' Views on Baby Food Product Safety

Mothers' Views on the Safe School Meals Act

Mothers' Views on the U.S. Education Climate

Mothers' Views on the Bipartisan Childcare Package