You do so much to support the kids in your care. It’s not the kind of care you can put a price on in normal times, let alone during a public health crisis like the coronavirus pandemic. This is when all the handwashing lessons, the cover-your-mouth-when-you-cough lessons and the be-nice-to-your-neighbors lessons really matter. The support and leadership you provide will resonate for the rest of your kids’ lives.

Every child deserves the chance to eat healthy food and play every day. Because 60 % children under age 6 spend much of their time in care outside of their homes, early care and education (ECE) settings are important places for children to build healthy habits.

COVID-19 has changed the day-to-day lives of many families with babies and young children. Some parents are seeking ideas for additional ways to interact with their children because they are now working from home or spending more time at home because of social distancing. On the other hand, some parents may have less time with their children because they are working on the front lines of the pandemic: health care professionals, emergency responders or other workers in essential businesses or services. For all families, everyday routines such as mealtime, playtime or bedtime – or even diaper changing – offer opportunities to connect with children and build their developing brains. Vroom^®, a global early childhood initiative, offers free tips to parents on how to add learning to daily routines.

April 1 is National Census Day, and by now every home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. So far, more than 30% of households across the country have responded, but there is still a long way to go to ensure a full and accurate count.  

Unfortunately, with activities across the nation paused to respond to COVID-19, many experts are concerned that Census participation could be negatively affected. Now more than ever, the Census needs your help to ensure all young children are properly counted. The good news is, even during these difficult times, you can still easily participate in the Census, and urge others to do so as well.

The spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having an immediate impact on a critical backbone of the United States—child care programs. Many programs are grappling with questions surrounding whether they should keep their doors open to families and, if they do, what they should be considering to ensure the health and safety of children and families. Some programs may face a state mandate to temporarily close their doors to the public. Others may contemplate stepping up to supply emergency child care in their community for families whose jobs classify them as essential workers.

Child Care Aware® of America Calls Federal Stimulus Support for Child Care a “Down Payment” and Urges More Funding to Serve Essential Workers   

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2020 — Child Care Aware® of America released the following statement in response to the latest federal stimulus package:  

“Congress has begun to acknowledge the essential role that child care plays during this public health emergency. This down payment of $3.5 billion, if distributed quickly, will provide much-needed help to the child care system in the short term. In particular, we know that this support can make a difference for the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies across the country that are working overtime to support the families of emergency and essential workers, the child care providers who are dealing with decisions to close or stay open, and the rapidly adapting system.