Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a set of powerful software tools used to create and display maps that help geographically illustrate and communicate complex problems. They can also highlight potential solutions — maps can help identify assets and resources, as well as understand underlying location-based trends in datasets. This wealth of information can be key for child care advocates to educate and inform local and state decision-makers about the challenges facing the child care community and the need to advance specific policy solutions.  

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.  

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.

Many states have made progress on supporting child care access, affordability, and quality during their 2023 legislative sessions. These actions are particularly noteworthy as 72% ($37.45 billion) of federal relief funding approaches its spending deadline on September 30, 2023.  

Negotiations for annual federal funding are in full swing, and we have a fight ahead to ensure child care and early education programs receivethe necessary investments to support children, families, and communities.