The author makes the argument that the issue with “affordable” child care is that it should actually be free, considering its essential role in supporting families and communities. Unlike public schools or libraries, which are for the most part universally accepted as essential and funded by taxes, child care is often viewed as a private market commodity rather than a vital service. This approach not only perpetuates economic disparities, especially impacting working families and communities of color, but also overlooks the potential benefits of a comprehensive, universally accessible child-care system. Despite past attempts, achieving a truly free child care system has proven challenging in the U.S., with political and ideological barriers hindering progress.