Eleven million children younger than age five are in some form of child care in the United States. That is a pretty staggering number when you consider the cost of child care in this country – on both the family and provider sides of the equation.

Earlier this week, the House voted 359-64 and approved S. 1177 (the “Every Student Succeeds Act”), a measure that would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for the first time since 2002, ending an eight year effort to rewrite the legislation that was known as “No Child Left Behind.”  The Senate is expected to vote on this measure next week, where it’s expected to handily pass and head to President Obama for signature shortly after.  The White House has publicly endorsed S. 1177.

Over the past 18 months, Child Care Aware® of America staff and Public Policy committee has surveyed, interviewed, and conducted focus groups with parents of young children, grandparents, national child advocacy organizations, and state and local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. During those conversations it was underscored that child care is an essential building block of any community and that investments in child care are investments in our children, our economy, and our future.

There is a new movement afoot to promote thankfulness and mindfulness year-round. It's an amazing concept to stand behind because we think we have a lot to be grateful for every day.

Dear Child Care Aware® of America Community:

On this day, one year ago, President Obama signed the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2014 (CCDBG). The CCDBG law took critical steps toward ensuring that children are in safe, affordable and quality child care settings-Child care providers who receive federal funds must complete background checks, undergo annual inspections, receive training on basic topics, such as first-aid, safe sleep and CPR, before they are permitted to work with children.  The law also permits the flexible use of funds, which can be used for Child Care Resource & Referral services, training for child care providers, infant and toddler specialists, and quality rating systems.

Help Child Care Aware® of America Highlight the Importance of Quality Child Care Issues By Sending 20 Family Advocates to Washington, D.C. This Spring.