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
New Report Reveals the Scale of State Violence Inflicted on Migrant Children and Families under Operation Lone Star
CDF-TX is deeply concerned about the severe and life-threatening mistreatment of migrant children and their families by law enforcement agencies carrying out Operation Lone Star in our state, and about the fact that many of these migrants—who fear persecution, torture, or death in their home countries—are being denied the legal right under U.S. and international law to apply for asylum. …
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Child Poverty
Economic Justice Outreach News
Since our establishment in 1985, Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN) has been at the forefront of addressing the unique needs of Minnesota’s children, youth, and families envisioning a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.…
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For Our Children: Honoring Juneteenth by Asserting the Freedom to Read
On June 19, 1865, Union troops delivered the news to enslaved people in Galveston, TX, that they were free. But this “news” wasn’t exactly new.…
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Statement: Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio Remembers the Legacy of Brigid Kelly
Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio is saddened to learn of the passing of its friend and former Advisory Board member Brigid Kelly. Brigid died Tuesday evening after a two-year battle with cancer. …