November marked the 48th anniversary of the signing of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is the federal law that requires states and territories to provide services to more than 7.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities and developmental delays at no cost to their parents. This legislation ensures children with documented disabilities and developmental delays receive the free and appropriate education guaranteed to every student in the U.S.  

While there wasn’t a major national election in 2023, voters still had the opportunity to weigh in on various state and local offices, as well as ballot measures and propositions regarding child care this year. Even off-year elections provide a valuable opportunity for child care advocates to make their voices heard for candidates and policies that will support the needs of young children and their families. 

As 2023 winds down, I’m reflecting on the past year, the awe-inspiring work Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA)has done and my gratitude to serve on the Board of Directors and share in this work. It is this community that makes our work to promote children's healthy development and learning through quality and accessible child care possible.  

Child Care Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery 

Children of all ages should be involved in emergency preparedness activities in their child care program. If an emergency or disaster occurs, children may need support in understanding and coping. The right books can help child care providers support children in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.  

You may be wondering: What IS #GivingTuesday and what are its roots? The days following Thanksgiving signify the start of the holiday spending season, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when communities are swept up in the excitement of the upcoming festivities and often leave behind the sense of love and thanks that characterize Thanksgiving. 

Federal Policy Update 

Last week, Congress avoided a government shutdown with just hours to spare before the October 1 deadline when federal funding was set to expire. This is a huge relief, as a government shutdown would have temporarily disrupted critical programs that children, families and communities rely on. However, child care and early education programs are not in the clear yet. Congress was able to pass a short-term spending bill, called a continuing resolution or CR, to fund the government through November 17 at the same funding levels as FY23. Although this prevented a shutdown, it is still a temporary solution and only buys a small amount of time before we face the same threat again come November.