KinderCare

Child care in 2026: What employees need to know

Child care has become one of the most important benefits for working families today. Recent research shows it is now just as important as healthcare and retirement benefits when employees evaluate where to work.

Why this matters

Child care is no longer just a personal challenge—it directly impacts work, finances, and overall well-being. 

Key Insights

1. Child care is a top priority for working parents
Recent research shows that child care has become one of the most important benefits for working families, on par with healthcare and retirement. Employees are increasingly evaluating employers based on the level of support they offer to working parents.

2. There is a growing gap in support
While demand for child care benefits continues to rise, many organizations have yet to implement solutions. This gap can create challenges for employees trying to balance work and family responsibilities.

3. Child care challenges impact work and productivity
When employees don’t have reliable child care, it can lead to missed workdays, reduced hours, and increased stress. Over time, this can impact productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

4. Child care costs continue to rise
The cost of child care has increased significantly in recent years, making it one of the largest expenses for many families. Even higher-income households are feeling the financial strain, making affordability a widespread concern.

5. Employer support drives retention and loyalty
Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that provide meaningful support for working parents. Offering child care-related benefits can improve retention, strengthen employer brand, and enhance overall employee satisfaction.

How KinderCare can help

KinderCare’s Tuition Benefit program helps make child care more accessible and affordable by:

  • Providing discounted tuition at accredited centers nationwide
  • Supporting working families with reliable care options
  • Helping reduce financial stress

KinderCare’s Tuition Benefit program helps families save on child care tuition at centers nationwide. We also support families who may qualify for state child care subsidies, helping maximize available resources.

To learn more and find a center near you, please visit www.kindercare.com/mta.

Bottom line

Child care is no longer a “nice-to-have” benefit—it is essential for supporting working families and enabling employees to succeed both at work and at home.

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