Childcare disruptions cost U.S. businesses $70 billion annually

A report released on July 29, 2026 by Moms First’s National Business Coalition for Child Care and analysed by McKinsey & Company finds that disruptions in childcare cost American businesses up to $70 billion each year. The losses stem mainly from employee absenteeism, higher turnover and reduced productivity when parents cannot secure reliable care. The study argues that the financial impact extends beyond individual families, affecting corporate bottom lines and the broader U.S. economy, and calls for stronger childcare infrastructure to mitigate the drain.

The findings highlight a systemic issue that goes beyond personal inconvenience, positioning reliable childcare as a critical business and economic priority for employers and policymakers alike.