Every family gets safe, quality child care at a price they can afford, so parents can work, kids can thrive, and the people who care for them earn a living wage.
“My wife and I are raising two boys. We’ve sat at the kitchen table and done the math on daycare. No family should have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of their kids.”
Keith Chaput
7%of income: the most a family should pay for child care, by the federal government’s own standard
2002the year Florida voters made free pre-K for 4-year-olds part of the state constitution
1943the year Washington paid for child care so parents could work during World War II
Why it matters
For many families, child care costs more than rent, and in many states it costs more than a year of in-state college tuition. Parents, usually mothers, cut their hours or leave jobs they love because a paycheck barely covers daycare.
At the same time, child care workers are some of the lowest-paid workers in the country. Centers can’t hire, waitlists grow, and in too many neighborhoods there simply isn’t a spot to be had at any price.
Florida already showed the way. Since voters approved it in 2002, every 4-year-old in the state can attend free pre-K. It’s popular across the political spectrum because it works. But it only covers part of the day, for one year. Families with babies and toddlers are on their own.
Keith’s plan
Cap the cost at 7% of income
No family pays more than 7% of its income for child care, and low-income families pay nothing.
Universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds
Build on Florida’s free pre-K so every 3- and 4-year-old can attend a full-day program at no cost.
Pay child care workers a living wage
Raise pay and benefits for early educators so good teachers stay in the field and centers can open more spots.
Build supply where it’s missing
Fund new centers and home-based programs in child care deserts, including rural areas and neighborhoods where families work night and weekend shifts.
Parents choose the provider
Families pick the care that’s right for them: a center, a family child care home, or a faith-based program. The help follows the child.
Paid family leave
Every worker gets paid leave to care for a new baby, so parents aren’t forced back to work before they’re ready.
How we pay for it
Child care pays for itself many times over. When parents can work, family incomes rise and so do tax revenues. Kids who get a strong early start do better in school and earn more later. Businesses get workers they can count on.
Keith will pay for it by making the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations pay their fair share, and by bringing home money we waste on endless wars and Pentagon contractors.
1971
We’ve done it before
Congress passed a bill for nationwide child care with support from both parties. President Nixon vetoed it. Fifty years later, families are still waiting. During World War II, the federal government ran child care centers for hundreds of thousands of kids. We’ve done this before.
Common questions
Straight answers to what voters and reporters ask most.
Is this a government takeover of daycare?
No. Families choose their provider, including private centers, family child care homes and faith-based programs. The plan helps families pay and helps providers grow.
What about parents who stay home with their kids?
Nothing in this plan pushes anyone into child care. It gives families a real choice, and paid family leave helps parents stay home with a new baby.
Doesn’t Florida already have free pre-K?
Yes, for 4-year-olds, for part of the day. It’s a great start. Keith’s plan builds on it so families with babies, toddlers and 3-year-olds get help too.
Why is this a federal issue?
Because families in every state are struggling with the same costs, and only the federal government can fund care at the scale families need.
Stand with Keith
Add your name to support the fight and get updates on how to help.
1971