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
Marching to Free Children & Families: A Peace Walk in Solidarity with Families Detained in ICE Custody
At Children’s Defense Fund-Texas, we work alongside advocates, faith leaders, and community members to protect children and families from harmful policies and systems. Our team also helps lead the National Coalition to End Family and Child Detention, a nationwide network working to end detention of children and families in immigration custody.…
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Student Leaders Turning Advocacy into Action
Black Student Leadership Network students are turning advocacy into action on their campuses. From organizing around education justice to expanding voter awareness, two student leaders share how their campaigns are equipping peers with knowledge, strengthening civic participation, and building momentum for change.…
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Black History Month: Youth Voices on Racial Justice
For many students in the Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN), Black History Month arrives in the middle of real-time organizing, hard conversations, and deep questions about what justice looks like now.…
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For Our Children: It’s time to “do our first works over”
Every January is an opportunity to press the reset button. But this year…