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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American Youth Policy Forum – Moving Forward
The impact of the 2024 election may shape our nation for generations. That is why I am pleased Children’s Defense Fund was positioned to host the American Youth Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., on November 8th.…
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Health
New Texas executive order requires hospitals to ask about immigrant status. Here’s what it means for Texas children and their families.
Children’s Defense Fund-Texas (CDF-TX) is deeply concerned about the impact of Executive Order GA-46 on Texas children and families.…
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Education
Shaping the Future by Shaping Teachers
In the face of rising book bans and calls to eliminate Black history from school curriculums, CDF’s Ella Baker Child Policy Teacher Training Institute has never been more important.…
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Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders
Reagan believes in taking initiative. So when she learned about our Black Student Leadership Network (BSLN) and our NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, she was eager to do both.…