Massachusetts ranked best state for working mothers for great child care, paid leave

BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts has been ranked as the best state in the country for working moms, according to a recent report.

In a recent WalletHub report, Massachusetts received a national ranking for its child care system and strong paid family medical leave program.

WalletHub compared dynamics across 17 key metrics in all 50 states to determine the top spot, such as child care quality, number of child care workers per number of children, parental-leave policies, and the average length of a woman’s work week, ranking Massachusetts number one overall. Massachusetts was also number one for its child care system and work-life balance.  

Massachusetts workers are eligible for up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave through the Paid Medical and Family Leave program for reasons such as caring for a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health, bonding with your child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or placement, caring for a family member who was injured serving in the armed forces, and managing affairs while a family member is on active duty. 

Massachusetts is currently the only state in the nation to continue funding federal COVID-era child care stabilization grants at the same level as the federal government.  

“We are proud to see Massachusetts recognized as the best state for working moms in the country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our greatest strength is our people. We are home to the best child care programs and schools, the most innovative businesses and a strong paid family medical leave program. Our administration has made progress to expand the number of child care seats, increase educator wages and stabilize child care business. We are dedicated to building on this momentum by continuing to invest in our communities, make Massachusetts more affordable, and ensure that we remain the best place to live for future generations.” 

“Our administration has prioritized child care because we know that for many parents, especially working moms, affordable child care is the difference between going for that promotion and cutting back to part-time,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Child care is an essential part of our economy – it’s good for families and it’s good for business. Team Massachusetts will continue to prioritize making child care more affordable and accessible for all families.”  

“The Healey-Driscoll administration values caregivers in the workplace, and we remain dedicated to delivering a strong support system to help attract and retain Massachusetts workers,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “This ranking reflects Massachusetts’ collaborative effort across government, labor, and the business community to lift up resources in support of caregivers, like working moms and beyond, as we grow a more affordable, equitable, and competitive Commonwealth for all.” 

“Through funding proposals, policy priorities and IT investments, we have been focused on building the equitable, accessible and affordable child care system that our children, families, educators and communities deserve,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Today’s ranking is another example of why Massachusetts is the best place to go to school, raise a family, and work.” 

"In talking with providers and parents across the early education and care system, and being a working mom myself, I know firsthand how vital access to reliable, high-quality child care is to supporting whole families and enabling working women in particular to advance their economic mobility," said Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Early Education and Care. "This ranking recognizes the impact of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's intentional efforts and investments to expand and improve access to high-quality care to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family."