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.

While it’s important to prepare to meet physical needs during an emergency, considering emotional needs is also critical. Staying attuned to the mental health of staff at Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organizations is paramount so that they can support their communities before, during, and after disasters.   

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organizations remain a vital force in connecting families, providers, businesses, and policymakers to build a stronger child care infrastructure—because making child care strong makes everyone stronger. Yet despite their profound impact, CCR&Rs are often underrecognized and underfunded. It's time to change that. 

State policymakers play a pivotal role in driving forward child care policies aimed at improving accessibility, affordability, and quality. The 2025 legislative session marks a crucial moment for states to make further investments in child care funding and policies. This blog post offers a first look at what’s ahead for state policymakers in 2025: pathways for investment, potential challenges, and which governors are already prioritizing child care and early learning policies in their early proposals—and calling on their fellow legislators to follow suit.