The intended purpose of early education is to help close the school achievement gap by promoting equitable access to the school readiness opportunities afforded by high quality early education. Access means affording all our children the opportunity to enter through the front door of early education, and it also means keeping them from being pushed out the back door.
– Dr. Walter Gilliam, Child Care Aware® of America Board member

It is hard to believe that September is ending and we are already moving into October. And with that comes shorter days, cooler weather, and perhaps the most important thing—the final stretch in the presidential campaigns. The cost of child care has become a major issue for the 2016 elections, and we are excited to see both candidates addressing the importance of child care both during the debates and as part of their individual child care proposals. This is especially important as we continue to elevate these issues through our Child Care Works movement, designed to improve child care by shifting public opinion, generating policy solutions, and securing legislative victories. We invite you to join us and millions of others as we work together toward policy victories that will make quality, affordable child care a reality for all. Visit childcareworks.org to learn more about this exciting movement and how you can get involved.

Below are some additional highlights from September.

We were excited to hear child care mentioned in the first 10 minutes of the first Presidential debate. It makes sense - 90% of Americans want the next president to expand access to child care and early learning opportunities. It's a critical issue that candidates across the aisle can agree on.

For many parents, August is a busy month that marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of school for their children. With that transition, we at Child Care Aware® of America are ever-mindful of the challenges associated with finding not just child care but specifically quality afterschool child care.

Right now, we are at a key turning point for child care. States across the country are working to expand access. Presidential candidates are speaking out on the issue. And a movement is growing to make sure families can find quality child care that fits their budget.

Although it is hard to believe, the first day of school is right around the corner and many are busying themselves in preparation! Child Care Aware® of America has also been busy at work this month with various initiatives, including the release of our Child Care in America: 2016 State Fact Sheets.

Below is more information on this year’s State Fact Sheets and some additional highlights from July.