LAKE OSWEGO, ORE.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a revealing new study, KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. has unveiled its sixth annual KinderCare Confidence Index, shedding light on the pressing issue of child care and its profound impact on parental well-being. Conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll, the survey highlights that a staggering 90% of parents believe that access to high-quality child care significantly boosts their mental health and overall confidence as parents.
As parents grapple with unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety in their pursuit of ‘perfect parenting,’ the survey reveals that consistent, high-quality child care stands out as the top resource for improving mental health. Nearly 67% of parents report that the pressure to be a ‘perfect parent’ adds to their daily stress, while 60% feel overwhelmed by parenting demands.
Dan Figurski, President of KinderCare for Employers and Champions, emphasized the importance of dependable child care, stating, "We know the positive impact that dependable, high-quality child care can have on a parent’s mental health. We are at a pivotal moment where both policymakers and businesses can help alleviate some of that stress with comprehensive child care benefits."
According to the data, 75% of parents indicated that consistent, high-quality child care would enable them to be more present with their children, an increase of 10% from 2024. Furthermore, 85% of parents expressed that selecting high-quality child care significantly reduces their anxieties.
The survey also highlights ongoing struggles among parents, revealing that 80% agree the pressures to ensure their child's success are intense. Additionally, 54% of parents feel the pressures of 'gentle parenting' have made them feel like they are failing, while 51% have considered seeking therapy due to the pressures they face as parents.
Moreover, 57% of parents reported that unreliable child care has negatively impacted their work performance in the past. The results underscore the urgent need for enhanced child care benefits, especially as 63% of parents noted that the return to in-person work disrupted their child care arrangements.
In a parallel discussion on child care, the First Five Years Fund (FFYF) hosted its annual bipartisan “ABCs of Federal Child Care and Early Learning” briefing on Capitol Hill on May 7, 2025. This session focused on the critical importance of federal early learning and child care programs and the necessity for robust funding through the annual appropriations process.
Co-chairs of the Bipartisan Pre-K and Child Care Caucus, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), spoke passionately about ongoing efforts to protect and prioritize funding for early learning and child care. Bonamici stated, "Investing in children is the best investment we can make. It makes all other work possible. It’s good for kids, it sets them up for success. This is a bipartisan effort where Democrats and Republicans understand the importance of early childhood funding."
Fitzpatrick echoed this sentiment, asserting, "Programs like Head Start and Early Head Start aren’t optional—they’re a launchpad for our kids and a promise to our families. I’ve fought to protect them at every turn, and I’m not backing down. This is my top priority…because this program isn’t negotiable—our kids and families are counting on it."
Panelists from various states, including Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah, shared insights on how federal programs support families, businesses, and providers in their communities. Kristy DeGraaf, a Home-Based Child Care Provider from Cedar Learning Tree in Utah, noted that CCDBG funds provide for about half of her program funding, emphasizing the importance of federal support for child care providers in rural areas.
In Louisiana, Susan Forman, Assistant Program Director at Save the Children | Head Start, highlighted the financial burden of child care, stating, "The average cost of child care is about $11,000 a year. In Louisiana, it’s $315/average a week. For someone in Louisiana making minimum wage – if they have child care 52 weeks a year 40 hours a week – they’re in the negative."
Justin Barnes, Director of Federal Government Affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that child care issues are a net drain of about $5.5 billion on Ohio's state economy. He emphasized, "More and more business owners are becoming wise to the fact that child care is an issue for their ability to attract and retain talent. The more that we can do to tackle child care for working parents the better off the state’s going to be because the labor force participation will go up and it’s going to be better for employers."
As the discussions unfolded on Capitol Hill, it became clear that families with young children need support now more than ever. Sarah Rubinfield, Managing Director of Government Affairs at the First Five Years Fund, stated, "Families with young children need support now. They can’t push pause on their child care needs and hope to deal with it a few years down the road – kids don’t work like that."
Both the KinderCare Confidence Index and the FFYF briefing underscore the critical need for comprehensive child care solutions that support parents, families, and the economy. As the pressure on parents continues to mount, the call for enhanced funding and resources becomes increasingly urgent.
To learn more about KinderCare’s child care solutions or to download the full 2025 KinderCare Confidence Index Survey, visit KC-Learning.com. For further information on the federal child care programs and their importance, keep an eye on Capitol Hill as lawmakers work towards securing necessary funding.
