In the US, women, more than men, fill the role of primary caregivers for young children. While some women intentionally make the choice to leave the workforce or scale back work arrangements to care for children, research has found that many women don’t have a choice in the matter, instead making these arrangements due to child care challenges—particularly the inability to find or afford quality child care. When a community offers a comprehensive early care and learning system that includes access to paid family and medical leave as well as child care options that are high-quality, affordable and easily accessible, parents and guardians—especially women—are able to make balanced decisions about what works best for their families. (author abstract)