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.

Child Care Aware® of America has been selected as a 2016 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Designated Charity! The Combined Federal Campaign is the only authorized workplace giving opportunity for federal employees and members of the military. It runs September 1 – December 30 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Participation is optional, and all donations are tax deductible.

Access to food is a critical part of disaster response and recovery. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is part of the national response network and provides Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to those with low to moderate incomes (who typically do not qualify for food assistance support) based on disaster-related expenses like loss of income from time off or relocation, property damage, relocation costs, and other expenses.

Flooding is one of the leading causes of severe weather related deaths. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning. Flooding causes an average of $5 billion a year in damage, making it the most costly severe weather event.

The state plans for Healthy Child Care, Health Communities participants have been reviewed!

In an effort to support states in advocacy around their Child Care and Development Fund plans, Child Care Aware® of America summarized the state plans’ health content for Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, New York State, and North Carolina.