Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Education Trust released the report "Equity in Childcare is Everyone's Business," which examines the importance of addressing the negative impacts of sexism and racism on the childcare industry and proposes ways in which state and local chambers, in partnership with child care providers, can address those issues while supporting children and families.

Today, while the unemployment rate has fallen to six percent, some 9.7 million Americans remain unemployed – roughly half of them women.

Childcare is important for children, and it is essential for working parents. Parents rely on childcare to help them enter, re-enter, or remain in the workforce. But access to affordable, quality childcare is hard to come by, and now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families are experiencing additional challenges in finding childcare that meets their needs. It is no secret that parents dedicate significant energy and resources balancing their roles at home, in the community, and in the workplace. Parents must consider various factors in determining the level and type of childcare solutions that best meet their needs. These factors make up what we’re referring to as the ‘Childcare Equation.’