Liability Insurance Premium Increases and Cancellations: Insurance Is Driving Up the Cost of Child Care
As the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector continues to recover from the pandemic’s economic shocks, a quieter but equally urgent crisis is unfolding: the skyrocketing cost and shrinking availability of child care liability insurance for child care facilities. While often overlooked in broader policy discussions, child care liability insurance is a foundational element […]
Child Care and Military Readiness: A Partnership That Strengthens Our Nation
November is a month of gratitude and remembrance. As we celebrate Veteran’s Day and gather with loved ones for Thanksgiving, we pause to honor the brave men and women who serve—and the families who stand beside them. Their sacrifices, both seen and unseen, safeguard our freedoms and strengthen our communities every single day. Among the […]
Licensing That Listens: What Advocates and Providers Say About Reforming Child Care Licensing Rules
As the child care crisis deepens, policymakers are searching for solutions to expand access, reduce costs, and support the workforce. While some policymakers, providers, and program administrators advocate for deregulation as a potential solution to the child care crisis, others—including advocates and experts—warn that loosening standards could lead to unintended consequences such as compromised safety, […]
From Uncertainty to Action: How States Can Prepare Right Now for a Shifting Child Care Landscape
The early childhood landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, leaving state agencies, families, and providers navigating a season of change and uncertainty. There are clear indications that states will have more flexibility in managing their programs and customizing them to respond to the needs of their citizens. But what can states do to prepare as they […]
The Hidden Superpower of Early Childhood Education and Care Agencies: Effective Data Reporting
In the ever-evolving landscape of early childhood education and care (ECEC), data is more than just numbers—it is a powerful tool for transformation. When used effectively, data can illuminate challenges, guide policy, and drive meaningful improvements for children, families, and providers. This blog explores how integrated data systems and intentional analysis can turn insight into […]
From Ballots to Budgets: How Communities Are Funding Early Learning
With early education so vital to working parents as well as to the nation’s economy, the future of child care will require a strong partnership at the federal, state, and local levels (as well as the philanthropic community). thoughtful examples of states and local leaders contributing funding to pay for early education services. States and […]
Modernizing Child Care Wait Management
Managing child care waiting lists has become an increasingly critical issue as demand for slots continues to outpace supply—especially for infant and toddler care. From a systems perspective, poorly managed waitlists can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities to fill vacancies quickly, and lags in access to care. Transparent and consistent waitlist management practices are key […]
Smarter Oversight, Stronger Outcomes: Child Care Licensing for Today’s Realities
Introduction No one would argue that child care licensing is essential to ensuring children’s health and safety. But as providers face rising costs and staffing shortages—and as state agencies manage growing caseloads with limited resources—many are asking how the administrative side of licensing can evolve to meet today’s challenges. This Information Brief explores how states […]
Smart Reform: How Can Policy and Technology Ease the Burden on Child Care Providers
Most Americans know that child care is expensive, although they probably don’t always understand why. Despite the rise in cost, it is still difficult for child care facility owners to make a profit. Providers have many expenses, but the 2 largest are staffing and facility/occupancy costs (rent, mortgage, utilities, insurance, maintenance). Liability insurance, in particular, […]
Why Effective Child Care Policy Demands a Dual Economic Lens
If we want meaningful progress, policymakers must be fluent in both the micro and macro dimensions of child care economics. Read more.