If you are a working parent, you know the mental juggling act—managing grocery lists, permission slips, screentime, and your own work schedule. You are not alone.  According to the Caregiver Action Network, 60% of family caregivers are employed, and two-thirds have had to shift their work responsibilities to balance their loved ones’ needs. 

The challenges of child care today 

The line between work and personal life has never been more blurred. The Bright Horizons Modern Family Index (MFI), conducted by the Harris Poll, reveals that working parents face significant challenges on multiple fronts, with many feeling overworked and under-supported.

In addition to managing heavy workloads and receiving limited support outside of work, many working parents struggle in balancing their roles as employees, caregivers, and parents. 

One of the most pressing concerns is child care—specifically, its affordability and accessibility. Aligning work hours with child care availability, especially for frontline workers, can be difficult. According to the 2024 MFI, more than one-third of parents with children under age five (36%) report that access to child care has worsened over the course of their careers.

The first step to finding the right solution for you is understanding your family’s unique needs. 

Breaking down different child care options 

Once you have identified your priorities, it is easier to choose the care that best suits your family: 

• On-site child care – Employer-sponsored centers located at the workplace. This option is very convenient for parents in terms of location and timings. These centers may offer early education programs that focus on academic and social skills for young children.
• Back-up care – On-demand child care services available on short notice, often through an employer or third-party provider. This option works for both scheduled and unplanned care gaps – when the usual care arrangements are not available or when work-life conflicts arise.
• In-home care – Hiring a professional babysitter/nanny to care for your child at home, often with flexible hours. This could be offered by companies as part of their back-up care benefits or could be accessed outside of benefits by the family.
• Seasonal care – Camps during school breaks that combine child care with enrichment activities. They may be provided by your employer or can be accessed by families on their own. These are typically available in the spring, summer, and winter.
• Home daycares – Smaller, home-based settings offering a more intimate, family-like atmosphere. These homes usually provide only care and basic learning but do not necessarily follow a structured curriculum. 
• Au pairs – Live-in caregivers who provide child care in exchange for room and board, plus a stipend. 

Tips for finding the perfect child care solution for your family needs

Visiting centers is a crucial step in finding the right child care program for your family. Hearing from current parents about their experiences at the program is another. Below are additional important factors when looking for a quality child care program.

• Health and safety – ensure you learn about all the protocols including exclusion policies, health screenings and confirm that practices align with CDC, state, and local guidance. Day-to-day, you’ll also want to know how children are supervised, how many teachers accompany the group, and how illnesses and injuries are managed.
• Responsive, caring teachers - Teachers are at the heart of any child care program. When evaluating child care for your family, learn more about the teachers in the program; and ask about hiring, training, education opportunities, and retention practices.
• Early education and curriculum - Classroom experiences should provoke curiosity and provide for open-ended exploration alongside the guidance of teachers. Early learning curriculum should be designed to both meet the interests and developmental needs of each age group and address critical social and emotional competencies.
• Classroom environments – Look for furniture that is appropriately sized for the youngest of children; carefully selected elements that consider safety; and materials that make the classroom feel more like home. Additionally, there should be soft, clean, cozy places for quiet time; ample space for children to move and explore; and room to be socially distant when necessary.
• Partnership with families - The program you select should welcome all families. Beyond just inclusive practices and policies, the center should proactively engage voices via parent partnership groups, and welcome open, ongoing dialogue via live or virtual events and conversations.
• Center location – Consider the following: Does your employer offer an onsite option you should consider? Is your ideal location near your home or near your company’s office? Is there a partner’s workplace you need to factor in? Is it important to you to cultivate friendships with children and families who live nearby?
• Local licensing and accreditations - All child care centers must be licensed by the state in which they reside. Licensing certificates should be visible in the center. Ask about additional certifications and accreditations that reflect a center’s commitment to even higher quality standards than those recommended by government agencies and regulations. 

For more information, visit this checklist.

Choosing the right child care empowers working parents to balance work and family responsibilities with confidence. Quality child care options provide a safe, nurturing environment for children, fostering their development and well-being, and gives parents peace of mind—boosting productivity, satisfaction, and retention for employers. Overall, selecting the best child care option supports the entire family, enhances work-life balance, and contributes to a thriving community.