Have a Heart
Investing in kids is investing in America. This Valentine’s Day, tell Congress to support the Child Care Modernization Act.
Tell Congress: invest in early childhood education by passing the Child Care ModeRnization Act.
Every Valentine’s season, Save the Children Action Network mobilizes advocates across the country to urge lawmakers to Have a Heart for Kids by prioritizing children in federal and state budgets.
In 2026, the message is urgent: Congress must invest in early childhood education by passing the Child Care Modernization Act. When we invest in kids, we invest in America’s future workforce, families, and communities.
Investing in children isn’t partisan
Investing in children isn’t partisan — it’s American. Strong early learning systems support stronger families, a more competitive workforce, and a healthier future for all.
This Valentine’s Day, tell lawmakers to Have a Heart for Kids.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW?
- 90% of brain development happens before age five
- Every $1 invested in early childhood programs returns up to $13 in long-term benefits
- Rising costs and underfunded child care systems put families, workers, and the economy at risk
A POLICY PRIORITY
The Child Care Modernization Act (CCMA) reauthorizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) — the main federal law helping working families afford child care.
CCMA Will:
- Expand access to affordable, high-quality care
- Strengthen the child care workforce
- Improve quality and availability nationwide
- Ensure children have safe, nurturing places to learn and grow
Get Involved
Discover Save the Children Action Network’s statement plus various ways to get involved!
Ways to Show Your Heart for Kids
- Turn Valentine’s Day into a moment of civic action. These simple and fun activities help families talk about why kids matter — and why lawmakers must act. Explore Activities
- Download and print Have a Heart valentines — perfect for kids, classrooms, and community events. Have your kid(s) decorate or personalize them, and send them to your lawmakers with a message urging support for the Child Care Modernization Act. Download Valentines. Download Spanish Version / Download English Version
- Fun, age-appropriate coloring pages that help kids learn about caring for others and supporting their futures. Once they have used their creativity- then send your kid’s artwork to your lawmaker along with your call to action in support of CCMA. Download Coloring Pages (Spanish Version) / Download Coloring Pages (English Version)
Victoria Zegler
Add Your Voice
Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) shows up and speaks out for kids. Help us fight to give every child a strong start in life.
899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 900
Washington D.C. 20002
(800) 243-5075
supportercare@savechildren.org
Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life.