Child Care Archives - Alliance for Early Success

Nevada Becomes First State to Create a Child Mental Health Professional Credential

July 20, 2026

Nevada’s SB 165 creates the nation’s first child mental health credential, funding training programs and Medicaid coverage to fight youth crises early. More than two years before SB 165 was introduced, the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada (CAA) began the process of gathering providers, families, youth, and elected officials to talk honestly about what was happening on the ground.

In Red States, Good Ideas Don’t Fail. They Never Had a Chance.

May 13, 2026

FIELD NOTES | By Shannon Jones | Former Ohio state legislator and advocacy leader (and current Alliance Board Member) Shannon Jones encourages advocates to step back and think about their solution’s design before moving to persuasion. In policy environments of conservative-led states, it could be the key to advancing their cause.

Beyond Tri-Share: What Child Care Cost-Sharing Can Look Like When Communities Lead

April 29, 2026

FIELD NOTES | By Brian Schmidt | With debate swirling about “tri-share” and other child care cost-sharing models, Kids Win Missouri’s Executive Director makes the case that states should focus less on debating models and more on designing to the state’s unique needs and landscape.

Nebraska Advocates Turn Child Care Tax Credits into a High-Demand Tool for Families and Providers

April 16, 2026

Nebraska advocates demonstrated how the Alliance for Early Success’s flexible funding and expert support can help state advocates turn a promising idea into measurable progress for young children and the adults who care for them. Advocates recognized that tax credits could be a powerful tool for strengthening the state’s child care system—but only if families, providers, and employers actually used them. First Five Nebraska designed a package of credits paired with a communications and outreach strategy. Their approach also offers a simple playbook for other states.

Serv and Return: Rising Liability Insurance Costs and Licensing Data Concerns

April 2, 2026

Allies responded to a listserv request from an advocate in Illinois about rising liability insurance costs and licensing data concerns. This question prompted many responses and perspectives, showcasing the unique expertise within the Alliance Network.

Wisconsin and Louisiana Advocates Mobilize Dads at State Capitols to Support Child Care Funding and Family Policies

March 9, 2026

Geaux Far Louisiana and Kids Forward organized dads across Louisiana and Wisconsin to rally at their state capitols for kids and families. Father-led advocacy is laying the foundation for future change. Kids Forward is now working with members of the Wisconsin State Assembly to launch a bipartisan Wisconsin Dads Caucus. In Louisiana, a state senate resolution was introduced and passed to establish a state fatherhood task force.

Serv and Return: Network Provides Insights on Policies and Investments Linking Housing and Child Care

February 28, 2026

Alliance allies often request information from peers in the network through the Listserv. Recently, our advocates in Maine recently asked their peers for state examples where “there has been policy or investment initiatives made that bring together housing and child care.” This question prompted many responses and perspectives, showcasing the unique expertise within the Alliance Network.

Alliance for Early Success Annual 50-State Policy Report Shows Power Building and Progress—and Headwinds—in 2025

February 19, 2026

The Alliance for Early Success has released it’s annual report on state early childhood policy progress, and it shows—while headwinds are increasing—early childhood advocates are working together and adding capacity to get hard-fought wins for young children and their families.

Child Care