Article Summary –
Chamber of Mothers, a grassroots organization founded in 2021, is dedicated to advocating for maternal health, affordable child care, and paid family leave, with recent efforts focusing on conducting a comprehensive child care survey in Michigan to gather data and personal stories from parents and providers. The survey seeks to quantify the economic impact of child care costs, which can range from $800 to $1,500 monthly, a significant factor influencing family planning and workforce participation decisions, with many opting to have fewer children or spreading them out due to financial constraints. The organization, boasting 48 chapters and a strong membership base, aims to use the collected data to push for policy changes similar to New Mexico’s universal free child care initiative, highlighting the substantial economic and social power of mothers, who drive 84% of household spending decisions in the U.S.
Chamber of Mothers is a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating for maternal health, affordable child care, and paid family leave since 2021.
Cece Watry, facilitator of the Southeast Michigan chapter, joined in 2025, highlighting affordable child care as their main focus.
“In 2026, during the election year, we are eager to see which candidates prioritize these crucial issues. We’ve also initiated a child care survey collecting real stories from Michigan residents, parents, mothers, and providers,” Watry stated.
“Our surveys for parents and providers seek to uncover costs, access times, and utilization of child care. Are existing support programs effective?” Watry asked.
Wonderschool reports Michigan day care costs between $800 to $1,500 monthly, aligning with the national average.
Chamber of Mothers collects data via social media, QR codes in local spots, and member networks, aiming to present findings to lawmakers.
Erin Erenberg, CEO of Chamber of Mothers, explained the creation of the organization: “With 85 million moms controlling 84% of household spending, it’s time we are represented.”
Chamber of Mothers has 48 chapters, with members actively engaging officials through calls, writings, and sharing experiences.
Watry noted the enlightening survey results: many parents leave the workforce, ironically gaining financially by not paying for child care.
She says child care costs affect family planning, with parents spacing children or reducing family size.
In Michigan, children turning 4 by Sept. 1 qualify for state-funded pre-K via the Great Start Readiness Program, prioritizing families below 400% of the federal poverty level.
“It’s not a simple matter of quitting your job or finding a side hustle. Child care accessibility controls lives,” Watry emphasized.
The Michigan chapter aims to replicate New Mexico’s universal free child care policy, launched in November 2025.
Watry, a mother and former HR professional, shared, “Child care costs could have delayed parenthood for me. Joining Chamber of Mothers felt essential to address these pressing issues.”
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