Early Childhood

  • Early Childhood

    The Best of What Education Can Be

    The CDF Freedom Schools model is indeed designed to light a spark and be an example of the best of what education can be. CDF Freedom Schools sites provide summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports students, or “scholars,” in grades K-12 and their families.

    | National

  • Early Childhood

    Sixty Years of Head Start

    Head Start began as an eight-week summer program; it has since served nearly 40 million children and families across the United States. But today, like other basic needs programs millions of children, young people, and families rely on, Head Start has been under attack.

    | National

  • Early Childhood

    Take Action Today to Oppose SB 1798

    If passed, Senate Bill 1798 would amend the Texas Education Code to reclassify students whose presence in the United States is “not authorized under federal statute” as non-residents.

    | Texas

  • Conference

    2025 American Youth Policy Forum, Powered by CDF

    This forum will bring together key policymakers, advocates, educators, and CDF staff. Together, we will discuss how national, state, and local policies can better serve young people, particularly those marginalized by systemic inequities

    November 5-6, 2025

    National

  • 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.

    | Minnesota

  • Early Childhood

    Appreciating Teachers

    May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week this year, but in an era of headlines and concern about burnout and stress, I join many others who believe teachers should be applauded and deeply appreciated all year long.

    | National

  • Charity

    Celebration of Joy

    CDF-MN's first annual Fundraising Social Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at Fallon 500 N. 3rd Street in Minneapolis

    April 25, 2024

    Minnesota