Making Sense of Early Learning Policy

President Joe Biden called on Congress to lower child care costs and support early learning during his recent State of the Union address. To that end, in its budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, the Biden administration specifically requested a $500 million increase in Child Care and Development Block Grant funding, the creation of a “historic new program” to help working families access high-quality care, and the expansion of a tax credit for employers who provide child care benefits.

While the outcome of the federal budget remains unclear, states are supporting child care and early learning through investments and policy changes. A 2023 National Women’s Law Center report highlights how states are tackling child care access and affordability, workforce recruitment and retention, and more. 

Some of these policies and their effects on early learning are clear — they may boost early educators’ wages, benefits, and opportunities for professional development, or expand thresholds for eligibility to obtain child care assistance. Others appear to be more convoluted.

Get essential background and localized story ideas during an Education Writers Association webinar on March 25 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Attendees will learn how to jump start their early care and education coverage and understand which trends to follow. Discover how zoning laws, tax policy, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families can help support early learning and child development.