Child Care Powers the Economy

Montgomery County Employer Child Care Survey

Complete Survey

The Problem

Child care isn't just a family challenge. It's a business issue. When parents struggle to find reliable, affordable care for their children, employers feel the impact through absenteeism, turnover, and reduced productivity. In Maryland alone, employers are estimated to lose approximately $3.3 billion annually due to child care-related workforce disruptions, according to ReadyNation's 2026 report, The Child Care Crisis Costs the U.S. Economy $172 Billion Each Year (Institute for Child Success).

What We’re Doing

The Children's Opportunity Alliance, in partnership with Maryland Family Network, is conducting a comprehensive study of family-friendly workplace policies and child care benefits among Montgomery County employers. This study will examine:

  • What benefits employers currently offer

  • What workforce impacts they are experiencing

  • What barriers prevent them from doing more

  • What solutions would make the biggest difference

Share Your Perspective

We're asking Montgomery County employers to complete a 10–15 minute confidential survey. Your input will help us understand the real challenges businesses face and identify practical solutions that work for employers and families alike.

Complete Survey

In addition to the survey, we will be partnering with various chambers of commerce around the County to host a series of employer focus groups to explore these issues in more detail.

If you are interested in participating in an upcoming focus group or interview, contact Giraldine Duff-Cham to learn about upcoming sessions and how to get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Anyone in a leadership, HR, operations, or ownership role who can speak to your organization's workforce practices and experiences.

  • Yes. Your responses will never be tied back to you or your organization. All findings will be reported as combined totals and percentages across all respondents.

  • Findings will be published in a public report and shared with participants, policymakers, chambers of commerce, and community organizations. To stay up to date on all of the developments, you can join our email list.