Early Childhood Education
Investing in early childhood education, which includes evidence-based home visiting,
high-quality pre-K and child care programs for children from birth until age 5, is one of
the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty.
Studies show that children who receive a high-quality early education are 20%
more likely to graduate from high school and, on average, earn a 50% higher income.
What We’re Doing
Through a combination of government relations, communications and grassroots mobilization,
we build relationships with the public and policymakers to increase investments in high-quality
early childhood education.
We empower our grassroots network of more than 280,000 advocates to raise their voices and
lobby their local, state and federal lawmakers to invest in kids. By joining together, we become a
force that turns advocacy into policy wins for kids.
What You Can Do
Invest in Quality Child Care
Tell Congress: We All Care about Child Care
More than half of eligible families miss out on child care assistance because of lack of funding. We must do better for our nation’s kids and families!
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This International Youth Day, Celebrate Kids Making a Difference
This week was International Youth Day, and to honor that, we’re highlighting the work of our high school Student Ambassadors. Most of them aren’t yet old enough to vote but work hard to engage elected officials and candidates on issues impacting kids.
We can give kids a more promising future
Though some children will face hurdles in their lives, it’s essential as a parent to recognize when your children need a little extra support, and understand how you can provide them with resources that will help them thrive.
How I realized the importance of early education as a teacher in the city of Chicago
When I began my first read aloud with the class, one student named Julio raised his hand and asked me what I was holding. When children aren’t given the tools to learn prior to kindergarten, they are then expected to retain all the information they might’ve missed in one year.