Early Learning and Development
Promise
Every baby and toddler is nurtured with pre-natal care, early
attachment to mom, a continuum of high-quality, early learning opportunities so they are ready for kindergarten.
Problem
The earliest years of a child’s life are the time of greatest brain
development and opportunity. In 2021, there were only 8.7 million slots in licensed childcare centers and family care programs for 12.3 million children. Center-based child care for an infant costs more than public college tuition in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and childbirth than White women.
Policy Path
In this zone, CDF will advocate for public policy related to:
(1) Maternal health and wellness, (2) Family Leave, (3) Home visitation, and (4) Quality early learning and development.
Moonshot Generational Commitment
Universal, public, quality pre-K for all young people beginning at three years old.
Learn MoreRelated Updates
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Immigration
Tell City Officials in Austin: Protect and Support Families
A recent 911 call in Austin led to the arrest, detention, and deportation of a U.S. citizen child. This incident underscores how collaboration between the Austin Police Department (APD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is putting children and families at risk and eroding public trust. …
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Gun Violence
CDF Cares: Supporting Children and Families After the Fatal Shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti
Children’s Defense Fund stands with those affected, offering care, connection, and advocacy during times of crisis. …
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Immigration
Tell Congress: End Family Detention Now!
As a result of the huge budget cuts Congress made to life-saving programs like Medicaid and SNAP in its budget reconciliation bill this summer, millions of Americans are losing access to healthcare and nutrition assistance. …
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Education
Advocate for Immigrant Students’ Access to Higher Education in Texas
During the recent Texas legislative session, some lawmakers proposed legislation that would have limited the provisions of the Texas Dream Act so that Texas high school graduates who are undocumented could no longer qualify for in-state tuition. …