CAP Early Childhood

Hey 👋— Here are other places you can find us and follow along to stay up to date on all things Early Childhood Policy and more at the Center for American Progress. 📰 Newsletter: americanprogress.org/stay-informed-… 💻 Website: americanprogress.org/team/early-chi… 🌐 Instagram: instagram.com/americanprogre…

2.19mil children <18—including 569,231 <5—live within 3mi of a fossil fuel power plant, chemical/petrochemical manufacturer, or other polluter that was invited by the EPA to apply for “a free pass,” from toxic air pollution limits under the Trump admin. americanprogress.org/article/how-th…

"By removing lifesaving environmental protections and failing to limit harmful chemicals and toxic pollution, the administration is letting corporate polluters poison the air that kids and families breathe and the water they drink."

The Trump administration is freezing funds that states need to keep families housed, fed, and cared for— harming 176,000 children across the country.

The Trump admin’s promotion of “citizen journalism” led to harassment of early educators, endangering kids' safety & terrorizing families. Families & children rely on high-quality care, & educators should be able to do their work without fear. Learn more: americanprogress.org/article/trumps…

"The # of children & families impacted every day as a result of child care challenges is already staggering... Cutting off or slowing child care $$$ for families will have disastrous impacts for parents, children, the economy, & the labor force." tcf.org/content/commen…

This spring CAP conducted a survey of early career teachers to understand the factors that have hindered or assisted their retention and the supports they need from policymakers. Read our new report to hear what they had to say: americanprogress.org/article/how-to…

State actions shed light on the impact of robust investments on ⬇️ costs for families & ⬆️ supply of child care. As the admin & Congress gut crucial family supports, these investments will be more necessary than ever. More from our friends @TCFdotorg tcf.org/content/commen…

"Polling released this year found that a majority of Republicans now say the federal government spends too little on programs that benefit children — a notable change for a party long skeptical of new social spending." nytimes.com/2025/12/11/opi…

"Immigrant childcare workers & preschool teachers, the majority of whom work & live in the US legally, say they are wracked by anxiety over possible encounters w ICE. Some left the field, others have been forced out by changes to immigration policy." apnews.com/article/immigr…

The supply crisis in a nutshell: "Like millions of working parents... reached out to 70+ daycares within 1hr radius & still haven’t secured a spot... Childcare breakdowns aren’t personal inconveniences. They're workforce issues shaping the future of work." forbes.com/sites/allikush…

.@RepRoKhanna on the economic possibility of universal childcare: "If we could do it in 1945, we can certainly do it in 2025."

The youth mental health crisis in the US is rising, & it impacts kids as young as infancy. As the OBBBA is implemented, that crisis will worsen. Programs like #HeadStart can help mitigate families' struggles through its wraparound supports. To learn more: americanprogress.org/article/head-s…

IDEA has long been underfunded, & the admin is taking steps to hollow out ED, weakening services for kids w disabilities. More than ever, we need to defend these programs to ensure all kids have access to high-quality education. #IDEA50 #ProtectIDEA americanprogress.org/press/statemen…

Students w disabilities have a right to a free & appropriate public education. Early intervention can help reduce the need for special ed later in schooling, but teachers like Megan show how these supports boost learning for all kids. #IDEA50 #Protectchildrenwithdisabiilties

Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive from birth! IDEA makes that possible through early intervention and family support. #IDEA50

While celebrating IDEA's half century of impact, it's also important to note that underfunding has limited access. Looking to the next 50 years, IDEA needs resources to expand supports, reach eligible families, & support kids' learning. #IDEAat50

Did you know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports early interventions for infants & toddlers too? As we look toward 50 years of progress in special ed, it's crucial to celebrate the many ways IDEA helps families across the country. americanprogress.org/article/idea-a…

50 years of progress: Now’s the time to strengthen IDEA, not weaken it. Join advocates across the country for the #IDEA50 Week of Action. americanprogress.org/article/idea-a…

This year marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA—a landmark law that ensured millions of disabled students would receive quality education. Yet, that promised education is at risk today with a federal funding gap of over $38 billion.

"Layoffs, budget cuts, & policy changes are all a part of the admin's direct attacks on disabled students & children & will cause long-term negative impacts." americanprogress.org/article/the-tr…