Mission: Readiness

#SNAP, the nations's largest child nutrition program, serves about 1 in 5 U.S. children including 2.8 million kids under 3. With new barriers to the program, many will lose their benefits in the months ahead.

Programs like Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) ensure kids have at least one healthy, nutritious meal on days they are in a care setting. Find the study here: fns.usda.gov/research/cacfp…

Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Join our friends at ReadyNation for a webinar discussing the #childcarecrisis

1 of the 3 disqualifiers for military service is a criminal history. Positive youth development approaches are preventive strategies that help kids to lead productive lives and join the military if they so choose. Read @FightCrime, new fact sheet here: tinyurl.com/yeyckmxy

Fact of the Week: A new report from ReadyNation finds that the ongoing #ChildCareCrisis has an economic toll of $172 billion annually. Policymakers must take action before it gets worse. Read the report: instituteforchildsuccess.org/cost-child-car…

Our partners at @Ready_Nation will be releasing a new report next week on the economic toll of the #ChildCareCrisis. Make sure to visit their website on February 11.

High-quality child care and preschool programs keep kids engaged with learning and improve outcomes in the long-run. #ECE #preschool #preschoolworks sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

Today's Member Monday comes from retired General Edgington reminds us that #health and #education are important for #democracy and #freedom.

CACFP provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child and afterschool care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. #hunger #foodinsecurity

Congress has until the end of this week to finalize important spending bills that include funding for #childcare, #afterschool, and #headstart programs. Kids need Congress to come to a bipartisan solution to keep these important programs funded.

High-quality early learning experiences can prepare kids for success in the future. That is why we were glad to see modest funding increases in Head Start and the Child Care Development Block Grant program in the bipartisan FY 2026 Labor-H approps bill released today.

With just 2 weeks before funding runs out, now is the moment to speak up for child care. Thanks to everyone who joined our advocacy webinar! Panelists from @firstfiveyears, @ChildCareAware, @naeyc and @NatlHeadStart broke down what’s at stake and how advocates can push Congress to act. Missed it? We've got you covered! ffyf.org/2026/01/15/web…

Mission: Readiness joined 41 other national orgs in a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need to ensure that federal child care resources continue to reach eligible families with young children, while maintaining active oversight and accountability. ffyf.org/2026/01/13/joi…

Past criminal involvement is one of three disqualifiers to join the military. High-quality preschool prepares children to succeed in school and gives them the tools to become productive adults.

In 2026, Mission: Readiness will highlight our members on Mondays to show that retired admirals & generals know it's in our national security interest to ensure children have access to the resources that allow them to reach their full potential. Today we feature General Solomon.

Federal programs that help families access quality care for their children, including CCDBG, #HeadStart, and Pre-K B-5 programs, provide developmentally appropriate care to ensure the next generation grows up ready to succeed.

#HeadStart has long-term impacts on the children they serve. counciloncj.org/investing-in-c…

Afterschool programs have many benefits, including reduced absenteeism, greater engagement in school, and reduced crime. Congress needs to provide robust funding to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the sole federal funding source for afterschool programs.