As of midnight, the federal government has entered a shutdown. While its impact on early childhood education may not be immediate, the risks for children, families, and providers grow each day the stalemate continues. Why This Matters for Early Learning Many programs at the heart of early... Continue Reading
New Mexico’s child-care story illustrates what becomes possible when families, educators, and policymakers share a common purpose. Since taking office, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made early learning a centerpiece of her agenda. This focus has moved from promise to policy,... Continue Reading
Even as we settle into the crisp days of Fall, safety remains a year-round priority for child care providers. While many think of water safety as a summertime concern, the truth is drowning can happen silently, quickly, and in as little as two inches of water, no matter the season. That's why... Continue Reading
California has long been known for its generosity, and that holds true on a national scale. Year after year, our state sends more money to the federal government than it receives in return. In fact, looking at the last nine years (excluding temporary COVID relief funds), California contributed... Continue Reading
The Public Policy Institute of California’s (PPIC) report on Teacher Staffing Trends takes a close look at who is teaching our kids and how school resources are being used. It’s more than just a summary of past studies, it’s grounded in a fresh, quantitative analysis of... Continue Reading
Check out the latest links to state and national news and reports for the early learning and care industry. NATIONAL NEWS & REPORTS Hechinger Report Curbing the expulsion of kids with disabilities at child care Hechinger Report Why Americans should care about child care... Continue Reading
We’ve gathered all of the CDSS, CDE, and CCL Bulletins and PINS from April 2025 through May 2025 in one place for your convenience. Review these links for the latest guidance. CDSS Child Care Bulletins CCB 25-20 (July 23, 2025) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Voucher-Based Budget Act... Continue Reading
Hello ECE Voices Community, My name is Alicia Castaneda Hatfield, and I’m honored to join EveryChild California as your Government Relations Coordinator. I will help lead ECE Voices into its next chapter, and this work is deeply personal to me. I'm thrilled to step into this role at... Continue Reading
This is an email message from the California Department of Education (CDE), Early Education Division (EED). Attention: Executive Directors and Program Directors of all California State Preschool Programs In response to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Los Angeles,... Continue Reading
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2025–26 California state budget, SB 131, on Friday, June 27, 2025. On that date, the Governor also signed several Trailer Bills, including Senate Bill 120, which includes all early care and education budget provisions. The provisions in Senate Bill 120... Continue Reading
As California's Early Childhood Education (ECE) landscape continues to evolve, shaped by new funding structures, workforce expectations, and increased demands on providers, one truth remains constant: early educators are the backbone of our state's educational foundation. Yet these dedicated... Continue Reading
The Trump administration has announced a freeze of $6.8 billion in federal education funding already approved by Congress. While the freeze most directly targets K–12 school districts, the ripple effects could reach Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and early learning programs—key... Continue Reading
