In September 2023, Count on Mothers surveyed 354 mothers across 47 states and a broad range of political ideologies to understand parental perspectives on the Child Care for Working Families Act (S.1354). In addition to the national survey, six mothers from conservative, moderate, and liberal backgrounds participated in in-depth interviews to provide qualitative context. Findings were shared with the public and Congressional legislators to inform deliberations on policies affecting children and families. Overall, mothers across the political spectrum expressed strong support for the bill, with some variation by ideology on specific provisions.

Related themes:

Shared Priorities and Cross-Partisan Alignment Among Mothers

• 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.

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