First Five Things to Know About: 2026 National Child Care Poll

Affordability is the dominant issue for voters. When asked which issues were most important, affordability ranked first at 37%, ahead of jobs and the economy at 30%. Voters overwhelmingly say lowering the cost of living is the top way the President and Congress could help families in the next year, including 68% of Republicans, 80% of Independents, and 77% of Democrats.

Child care is widely viewed as an affordability issue. Eighty percent of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is in a “state of crisis” or a “major problem,” including 65% of Republicans, 81% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

Voters see federal child care funding as a clear solution to rising costs. An overwhelming 82% say federal funding for child care programs will help lower costs for working families, including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats. Seven in ten voters (70%) also say federal investment in child care programs will improve the economy.

This translates into strong overall support for federal child care funding. Nearly three out of four voters (74%) say this funding is an important priority and a good use of tax dollars, including 53% of Republicans, 77% of Independents, and 93% of Democrats. Support is especially strong among key voting blocs, including women (70%), younger Americans ages 18–34 (70%), and voters of color, including 75% of Black voters and 64% of Hispanic voters.

Support also remains strong for the Child Care and Dependent Block Grant (CCDBG), which makes it possible for more than million families to afford safe, quality child care while parents work or attend school. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%) support sending federal funding to states through a block grant so states can increase access to affordable care.