Recent State Policy Advances
Expanded investment. Restructured agencies. New caucuses, committees, and coalitions. Read about all the ways our allies on the front lines are making their state a better place for each and every child to reach their full potential.
State By State:
New Jersey Hosts Advocates from California for a Powerful Learning Tour
A site visit to Abbott Preschool in New Jersey provided advocates from across country the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of how they have transformed their early learning programs – from birth through 3rd grade – over the past 20 years, following the implementation of a court order requiring expansion of high quality preschool programs to address inequities in their education system and how that first step led to the development of the state’s broader early learning system.
Celebrating 25 Years of Georgia’s Pre-K Program
The logo design by a Georgia Pre-K student for the 25th birthday celebration.
Georgia is proud to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Georgia Pre-K, the first universal Pre-K Program in the nation.
Data and Friends: The Key to Improving and Strengthening NJ’s Early Childhood Systems
With the New Jersey’s election of a new governor less than a year ago, Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) saw this leadership change as an opportunity to expand and improve programs for young children and their families.
Legislative Champions Key to Mississippi Pre-K Victories
The story of the 2018 state-funded pre-K expansion in Mississippi is a tale of playing the long game.
Minnesota Allies Play Defense in 2018 Legislative Session
The 2018 state legislative session did not yield child-focused investments or policy, but some consequences were avoided. Allies’ child care priorities garnered broad bipartisan support throughout the legislative session and were included in the supplemental budget bill that both the House and Senate passed. The budget bill, however, also included problematic provisions, including one that could have had the unintended consequence of removing eligible individuals from public programs.
The Good and the Bad for Early Care and Education in Louisiana So Far in 2018
The Louisiana Legislature finished its regular and three special sessions with both good and bad news for young children and their families.
2018 Legislative Session Adds up to Big Wins for Colorado’s Young Children & Families
Now that the 2018 regular session of the Colorado General Assembly is completed, we’re adding up all the big wins for Colorado’s young children and families.
Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan Coalition Wins Increased Overall Spending on the Child Care Subsidy
The Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan continued its advocacy for high-quality, affordable child care and worked with advocates and policymakers to develop and prioritize policy options for investing new CCDBG funds. In the FY2019 budget, lawmakers increased overall spending on the child care subsidy to reflect increased enrollment in the program.
In Important Legislative Wins, Florida Allies Set the Stage for Early Learning System Change
New legislation means substantial funding increases in School Readiness will be in alignment with improved standards and funding needed by early learning providers to ensure quality early learning programs for children. These complex but crucial advancements are the result of years and years of advocacy.
Back on our feet: Rebuilding Kansas in 2018
At Kansas Action for Children (KAC), we look back at the 2018 legislative session with gratitude and pride.
Despite Legislative Setbacks, Oregon Advocates Build Case for Early Childhood Funding
Oregon advocates have a clear message for state policymakers: early childhood programs are critical to keeping children healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
How Alabama Used a “Business Plan” to Grow State Investments in Pre-K
This spring, state lawmakers approved an $18.5 million expansion of Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program.
