Why States Must Lead

Federal programs play a role  —  but real solutions for working families, their young children, and state economies start in the states.

The first years of life shape everything. A child's brain develops faster from birth to age five than at any other time, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health.

That’s why early care and education policy matters. But a new approach is needed — one that responds to real, on-the-ground needs and puts parents in charge of the decisions that matter most for their young children. And the most effective, family-centered early care and education policy is built by states.

Empowering Parents is the Key

Effective ECE policy empowers lower-income parents to choose quality programs that reflect their values and meet their children’s needs — giving them access to the choices that wealthier families already enjoy.

The goal is to ensure these parents can stay self-sufficient — supporting their families without relying on welfare — while knowing their child is thriving.

Why Parental Choice Matters

Unlike K–12, early care and education is decentralized and diverse. Parents choose among public, private, faith-based, home-based, and nonprofit programs. This diversity is a strength to protect and expand — not replace with one-size-fits-all government systems.

Smart ECE policy closes market gaps by ensuring parents have:

  • Quality options

  • The financial support to afford them

  • Clear, usable information to guide decisions

With these tools, parents choose what's best for their child and family — which means thriving children, empowered families, and stronger states.

Policy should expand access to choice  —  not limit it.

Why Focus on Lower-Income Families?

This isn’t about replacing private markets — it’s about opening access to them. Higher-income parents already have choices. They may prefer to spend less, but they can afford good programs if they choose to.

Lower-income parents can’t, unless state policy makes it possible. That’s why policy should target:

  • Parents unable to work because they lack programs they trust enough to leave their child in each day

  • Families that qualify for assistance but don’t receive enough to afford good options

  • Families earning too much to qualify for subsidies but too little to afford market-rate ECE.

When policy helps these families, the results are transformative: parents gain stability, children thrive, and dependence on welfare falls.

All children benefit from strong early environments. But for those in unstable or under-resourced homes, access to high-quality ECE is especially critical. The early years pass quickly. State leadership can make all the difference.

The Opportunity for States

Expanding access to quality ECE isn’t just good for families — it strengthens your state’s economy. When lower-income parents have stable, high-quality programs for their children, they can work consistently and build self-sufficiency.

States that get ECE policy right gain a clear advantage:

  • Children begin school better prepared to succeed

  • Fewer families depend on welfare

  • Tax revenues rise

  • Businesses keep the reliable workers they need

That means better starts for children, steadier work for parents, stronger growth for states.

Why State Leadership Matters

States have the authority — and the best tools — to lead:

  • Education is a state responsibility — and ECE is the beginning of the learning continuum.

  • States control what matters most: Licensing, funding decisions, quality standards, and workforce requirements that determine which families have real choices.

  • States can act quickly and innovate: They can pilot solutions, adapt quickly to changing needs, and scale what works more effectively than centralized federal systems.

  • Local solutions work best: State systems can respond effectively to community needs, values, and economies.

  • Workforce participation benefits the state: Helping lower-income parents work boosts tax revenues, reduces welfare rolls, and supports economic growth.

Washington Won't Fix This—But You Can

States are uniquely positioned to succeed where federal programs fall short.

State leaders can create solutions that empower lower-income parents, give young children the strong start that every child deserves, and build a competitive state economy.

You control the levers that matter most. We're here to help you use them well.

Decide where to begin —> Policy Priorities