Welcome to the ECE State Policy
Understanding ECE fundamentals is essential for making sound policy decisions. This page covers
the basics every state leader needs to know—what ECE is, why it matters, and who benefits whenstates get policy right.
What Is Early Care & Education?
Early care and education (ECE) refers to group programs for children from birth until they enter
kindergarten, including childcare, pre-K, preschool, and Head Start.
Unlike K–12, the ECE sector is decentralized and diverse. Parents choose among programs
that:
Vary greatly in hours of service, individual program design, and funding stream
Are provided in a wide range of locations including private centers, homes, faith-based and community organizations, workplaces, and public schools.
What's the Difference Between Childcare and Early Education?
There isn't one. People often view childcare and early education as two different things, but this distinction ignores how young children actually develop. For young children, care and learning are inseparable. Unlike school-age children, young children learn through stable, loving relationships and everyday interactions, experiences, and play — not formal instruction. Any place where young children spend substantial time shapes their development, whether we call it childcare, preschool, or pre-K. The important question is only whether that place supports or hinders a child's healthy growth. When state policy treats “childcare” and “early education” as separate systems, it wastes money and confuses families. Smart policy aligns systems around the real needs of children and families, not false bureaucratic distinctions.
Who Should ECE Policy Serve?
Every state must decide how to allocate limited ECE resources — a choice that shapes both who gains access to quality programs and how effectively those resources expand market options: Universal programs serve all children regardless of family income Targeted programs focus resources on families who can't afford quality programs without help This site advocates for targeted support. Why? A targeted approach ensures public dollars go to parents who truly need help, rather than subsidizing those who already have access to good options for their children. Targeted support opens market access for those currently shut out, without replacing the diverse provider network that already serves families well. This approach costs less while delivering more impact where it matters most — enabling families to become self-sufficient while ensuring their children thrive.
Why Does ECE Matter
Creating ECE policy that works — for children, families, and your state
Creating ECE policy that works — for children, families, and your state
Who This Site Is For
Creating ECE policy that works — for children, families, and your state
Creating ECE policy that works — for children, families, and your state
Creating ECE policy that works — for children, families, and your state
