Stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion are not new challenges for the child care workforce—but they are reaching new levels of urgency. In a field already marked by long hours, low wages, and high turnover, the mental health of child care workers is more than a personal wellness issue—it’s a system stability issue. 

Two weeks have passed since we concluded our most successful Symposium yet, and the energy from Child Care Strong: From Problems to Progress still resonates. Held from May 4–7 in Arlington, VA, CCAoA brought together national, state, and local child care leaders, advocates, and changemakers to collaborate on building a stronger child care system. 

There were truly too many amazing moments throughout the week to name here (search social medial channels for #ChildCareStrong and #Symposium2025 for more), so here’s a quick highlight reel of some of the most amazing moments. 

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Across the early care and education (ECE) landscape, there is growing momentum to support the adults who care for children—not only in moments of crisis, but as a core strategy for building resilient systems. When we invest in workforce well-being, we reinforce the very conditions that allow children to thrive. 

Inadequate state investment in child care holds families, employers, and our economy back. Read our new report to see how your state measures up. 

April is the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize and honor the sacrifices and contributions of military children. These young individuals serve in their own way, moving from place to place, adapting to new schools, and supporting their families as their parents serve our nation. For many, the journey of being a military child shapes their future in critical ways.