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Our Key Issues

Early Childhood Education

Early education prepares children for a lifetime of learning.

But child care is broken in America. 50% of families live in a child care desert, and high-quality programs can cost more than $10,000 per kid. That means millions of parents can’t access or afford early learning – and millions of children could start kindergarten up to 18 months behind.

Our Mission

We work to give every child a strong start in life.

90% of brain development happens by age 5 — which makes early education essential. SCAN is closing the gap by supporting policies that create affordable, accessible learning opportunities. We also advocate for child care workers, ensuring they’re well-trained and fairly paid.

Rural Voters’ Views on Hunger, Child Care, and Early Education

On behalf of Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network, the bipartisan research team of New Bridge Strategy (R) and Hart Research (D) recently conducted research among rural and small town American voters across the country. The study found that rural voters nationally are facing many challenges, with a significant focus on inflation and an increasing cost of living.

Invest in Head Start

Send a Message to Asking Congress To Step Up and Invest in Head Start

For 60 years, Head Start has been a critical lifeline for families across the United States, giving over 750,000 children a chance to thrive as learners AND in life.

Invest in Head Start. Invest in Kids.
Tell Congress to Support Head Start and CCDBG
Fight for a Budget that Puts Kids First

Too many families across rural America can’t access or afford early learning. Tell your lawmakers: Early learning is a right, not a luxury. Invest in Head Start!

Head Start served 750,000 kids in 2024, providing a safe child care environment. Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG) help low-income families afford the child care their kids deserve. We need Congress to support early education funding. Send a message to your lawmakers today!

The White House just released its 2026 budget request – and it’s packed with deep cuts to essential programs that’ll put kids and families at risk.

LET’S BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES

Making child care fair starts with advocates like you — and every voice counts when you’re trying to reach Capitol Hill. Join the movement to help kids get a strong start in life.

Upcoming Volunteer Events & Trainings

Volunteer with SCAN and join a community of changemakers! There are endless ways to channel your passion for helping kids: write letters to the editor, participate in local events, fundraise or meet with Congress. Don’t worry — we’ll provide the tools you need to be a powerful champion for children.

Upcoming Events

Sat

6

Sat

6

December 6 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm EST

Louisiana Early Education Advocacy Summit

The Executive Center BR, 250 S Foster Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Sat

6

Sat

6

December 6 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm EST

Kentucky Advocacy Summit

Berea College, Alumni Activities Room, 101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40403

Wed

10

Wed

10

December 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST

Reaching and Engaging Lawmakers Training – Virginia

Virtual Meeting

Wed

17

Wed

17

December 17 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST

New Hampshire State Action Team Meeting

Zoom

Sat

20

Sat

20

December 20 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST

South Carolina End of Year Celebration Midlands/Low Country

The Grand on Main 1621 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

I advocate with SCAN because they believe in the same issues I do. They fight for the kid that I once was.

– Zeina, SCAN student ambassador

Advocacy in Action

See what our early learning advocates have been up to!

Victoria Zegler

Kentucky Advocates Lobby for Child Care

Victoria Zegler

MORE KEY CAUSES

Child Hunger

Kids can’t thrive on empty stomachs.

Learn More

Children in Crisis

When crisis strikes, SCAN speaks up.

Learn More