High-quality early learning settings (both child care and public pre-k) instill a strong foundation of cognitive and social skills in children, which increases their ability to start school ready to succeed. But too many children, particularly in underserved communities, remain without access to early childhood education impacting their future school achievement and earnings potential. To promote opportunity for all and a prosperous society, CED works to advance early education throughout the country. CED collaborates with local business leaders, policymakers, and like-minded organizations to increase the quality of, and access to, early education through public and private initiatives.
Report
Child Care in State Economies (2024) is a three-part report series examining the current status of the paid child care industry in the US.
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This calculator is meant to show the real choices families in these states have to make regarding child care, based on their income.
LEARN MORECED's pioneering leadership in advancing quality child care and early education has been a defining chapter in its long tradition of employing the best of business thinking in the nation's pursuit of economic growth and stability. Our business leaders have an acute understanding of the importance of this early learning foundation, and how it is related to the development of a well-educated workforce in supporting a strong economy and keeping America globally competitive.
For over 50 years, with research and tools provided by CED, corporate leaders have been speaking to audiences of business and civic leaders about the importance of investing in children and families. CED's network of Trustees has directed CED's long history of research reports connecting the importance of early learning to the strength of the workforce and economic development.
At both the state and national level, CED's Trustees have led roundtable discussions and thought forums in support of building the economic case for investing in early childhood education. In addition, CED has supported several working papers by leading experts on "work and family" featuring Ellen Galinsky, President of the Families and Work Institute, and economists including Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman of the University of Chicago. CED's reports continue to support consideration of national legislation to improve the quality of child care and expand quality and access to Pre-K programs.
CED's reports include:
Access more information on this policy issue.
March 15, 2024
September 01, 2023
CED experts and Trustees speak on this policy issue.
PRESS RELEASE
CED Testifies Before Congress on Child Care's Economic
April 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Report: Child Care Industry Struggling in Pandemic’s
January 30, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Education System Must Address Pandemic-Era Learning Losses
June 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
CED Issues Statement on Reinvigorating US Education System
April 04, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
CED Maps Out 2023 Policy Priorities and Solutions
January 18, 2023
COMMENTARY AND LETTERS
CED Letter To President Biden: Public Policy Priorities
January 12, 2023