You might be wondering, “What is a Child Care Desert?”.  Just as food deserts — urban areas where it’s difficult to buy affordable, fresh food — can have an adverse impact on nutrition, “child care deserts” identifies an absence of an essential commodity to support the workforce that results in limited access, which current child care systems do not meet.

Arlington, VA – Child Care Aware^® of America, the nation’s leading voice for child care, is leveraging the growing pressure for positive change by launching a movement and giving it a name—Child Care Works. The goal of this grassroots initiative is to further escalate the need for a child care system that works for all American families.

The Obama Administration released the long-anticipated Head Start Performance Standards late last week. The new rule allows for greater flexibility at the local level and puts great emphasis on family engagement.

Right now, we are at a key turning point for child care. States across the country are working to expand access. Presidential candidates are speaking out on the issue. And a movement is growing to make sure families can find quality child care that fits their budget.

Access to food is a critical part of disaster response and recovery. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is part of the national response network and provides Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to those with low to moderate incomes (who typically do not qualify for food assistance support) based on disaster-related expenses like loss of income from time off or relocation, property damage, relocation costs, and other expenses.