A new national poll finds that voters across the political spectrum remain deeply concerned about the cost and availability of child care—and broadly support federal policies aimed at helping working families afford it.
The survey, conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund, was carried out from January 13–18, and highlights the ongoing financial strain child care costs place on American families.
According to the poll, 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.
The findings also show strong bipartisan support for federal investment in child care programs. Eighty-two percent of voters believe federal child care funding would help lower costs for working families, including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.
Support remains particularly strong for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that helps hundreds of thousands of families afford safe and reliable child care while parents work or attend school. The poll found 62% of voters support the program, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents, and 72% of Democrats.
More broadly, voters expressed continued backing for federal spending on child care programs. Seventy-five percent said funding for child care should either be increased or maintained at current levels.
Support for maintaining or increasing funding crosses party lines, with 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats expressing support.
Additionally, 74% of voters said federal spending on child care programs represents a good and important use of taxpayer dollars, including majorities among Republicans and Independents and nearly nine in 10 Democrats.
Sarah Rittling, executive director of the First Five Years Fund, said the findings demonstrate that voters see child care as both an economic issue and a family issue.
“Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work,” Rittling said. “These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development.”
Rittling noted that child care funding has historically received bipartisan support in Congress and remains especially important as families continue to face rising costs.
“At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach,” she said.
The First Five Years Fund, a national advocacy organization, works to build bipartisan support for early learning and child care programs at the federal level. The group partners with policymakers, advocacy organizations and community leaders to expand access to high-quality early childhood education and affordable care options.
Advocates say improving access to reliable child care benefits not only children and families, but also the broader economy by enabling parents to participate fully in the workforce.
As policymakers continue to debate federal spending priorities, the new poll suggests voters across the political spectrum view child care as a critical issue that deserves continued attention and investment.
