Following the close of 2016, we look back and reflect on our many accomplishments—from the launch of our 10^th Parents and the High Cost of Child Care report to the start of our Child Care Works movement, just to name a few. This year we have experienced tremendous growth and a steady dose of positive change. As an organization, Child Care Aware® of America has gone above and beyond to create and sustain a commitment to a quality workplace in support of children and families in policy and practice. Looking forward, we are prepared to make our impact during the first 100 days of the new administration and beyond to ensure that child care remains a top priority.

Below are some additional highlighted from December.

As the leaves change and the weather starts to turn cold, we shift our attention to important end-of-the year work, which includes the launch of our 10th Parents and the High Cost of Child Care report. Visit usa.childcareaware.org/costofcare for more information on this year’s report, which includes both state and county-level data on the cost of child care. We also continue to plan and build momentum around our Child Care Works movement following the election and lead-up to the first 100 days of the new administration.

Arlington, VA, December 7, 2016  – Child Care Aware^® of America’s (CCAoA) 10th annual report researching child care costs in counties and states across the U.S. shows families can’t afford child care in 49 of 50 states.

Confused by the new grain requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)? You’ll be happy to know that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a memorandum that spells out exactly what CACFP means by “whole-grain rich” foods.

We are now officially into fall! Leaves are finally starting to change, and the holidays are right around the corner. With the close of October comes the 2016 elections, which we continue to follow closely as both candidates have elevated the issue of child care in their platforms. We invite you to visit our Child Care Works movement website, designed to improve child care by shifting public opinion, generating policy solutions, and securing legislative victories.

Below are some additional highlights from October.