The bottom line is that parents need more choices, greater flexibility and real security in choosing reliable child care. This is not about creating government-run centers or creating new federal programs. It is about helping working families and their children find affordable quality child care, so parents can stay on the job while keeping their children safe and nurtured. While a number of businesses have implemented creative approaches to help their employees find and pay for child care, much more should be done. It is going to take all of us, working together in our families, our businesses, our neighborhoods, our houses of worship, and with our elected officials.
Children are better off if their mothers stay home.
There is no question that we need to support all parents in their child care choices. But too many working parents do not have a choice. More parents work than ever before and many families rely on the mother's income to make ends meet. And many women, particularly in low and moderate income families, are essential in helping support their families financially. And one of three children of working mothers are either poor even though their mothers work or would be if their mother's did not work.