KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of high-quality early childhood education, has announced the results from its sixth annual KinderCare Confidence Index, revealing deepening concerns from parents about access to childcare. Conducted in collaboration with The Harris Poll, the study indicates that the childcare crisis is intensifying the gender pay gap as more parents are choosing childcare over raises and advancing their careers. This underscores the increased value parents place on having quality childcare for their families.
With most working parents back in the office full-time or in a hybrid capacity, many have found it difficult to adjust to the RTO mandates in effect. The survey finds that nearly two-thirds of parents say the return to in-person work has impacted their childcare needs. As a result, the majority of parents want employers to provide more benefits as they roll out RTO mandates.
More than three-quarters (76%) believe employers should offset the cost of childcare for their employees. Over half (59%) would rather have their employer subsidize their childcare costs than give them a raise, a 10% increase from 2024 results. Additionally, 54% are worried their company will scale back childcare benefits in the future to cut costs, a 10% increase from 2024 results.
“Parents are telling us loud and clear that they need quality childcare solutions more than ever, reflecting its essential role in the lives of modern families striving to achieve work-life integration,” says Jessica Harrah, chief people officer at KinderCare Learning Companies. “At KinderCare, we’re committed to providing high-quality childcare for families, and work with policymakers, communities, and employers nationwide to find creative ways to address this urgent need for support.”
Additionally, new data findings show there’s a discrepancy between the benefits employees want and what CHROs perceive as important: 43% of parents think childcare benefits are crucial, compared to just 33% of CHROs who share this view. Based on these findings, employers have a clear opportunity to alleviate childcare stress and meet their employees’ needs by offering more customized family care benefits including employer-sponsored childcare.
The report shows a broader trend of parents demanding more childcare solutions and support from their employers and the government. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of parents believe the gender pay gap is caused by a lack of childcare support in the United States. More than half (53%) are worried that they will have to step back from their career to take on parenting responsibilities. Nearly half hope that when their children grow up, women won’t have to leave the workforce for childcare reasons. Further, 45% of parents hope universal childcare will be federally supported in their children’s future.
