commentary As moms are driving the growth in America's labor market, it's time for major investments in early childcare Published May 10, 2026 9:00AM (EDT) Data suggests that women are charging ahead in part thanks to childcare support that became more readily available during the Covid-19 pandemic — that has now expired (Getty Images) This year, for only the third time in American history, employed women outnumbered employed men. That shift has been beneficial for women, especially — and surprisingly — for mothers of young children . To maintain that momentum, it’s more important than ever to ensure quality childcare is readily available and accessibly priced. Women with young kids are more likely to be in the workforce than ever before, a shift due in part to the country’s cost-of-living crisis.…