Making Quality Childcare a Reality

WHEREAS, two-thirds of American families need childcare so they can work and support themselves; and

WHEREAS, working families need safe, reliable, nurturing childcare for their children; and

WHEREAS, the cost of quality childcare can range from $15,000 to $20,000 per child per year; and

WHEREAS, 70 percent of families report difficulty paying for childcare, causing many to leave their employment; and 

WHEREAS, disruption of childcare causes great stress and financial hardship on families; and

WHEREAS, unreliable childcare causes instability in the workplace and the larger economy; and

WHEREAS, low pay among childcare staff makes providing safe and consistent staffing a perennial problem in the private marketplace; and

WHEREAS, the AFT stands with working families nationwide:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will work toward and support legislation to make publicly funded universal childcare staffed by unionized employees and public providers available to all families.

Adopted July 19, 2026