For many children living in poverty, summer isn't fair.
Instead of looking forward to the first day of school, millions across the U.S. worry they won't be able to keep up with their classmates.
But child care and early learning can change that.
Affordable, accessible opportunities give soon-to-be students the tools they need to succeed, ensuring no child falls behind.
Help make summer fair with a message to Congress: Invest in early childhood education!
To whom it may concern:
For many children living in poverty, summer isn't fair. Instead of looking forward to the first day of school, millions worry they won't be able to keep up with their classmates.
To have the bright futures they deserve, kids across the U.S. need stronger investments in child care and early education. These opportunities prepare soon-to-be students for a lifetime of learning, ensuring they don't fall behind their peers — and allowing their parents to work.
But 1 in 5 Americans say child care is a barrier to their well-being. The average cost is rising faster than inflation, and half of all families live in child care deserts.
That's why supporting stronger federal funding for early childhood education is so critical. Studies show that investments in early learning yield a 13% annual return through better academic, economic, health and social outcomes — one estimate even suggests that significant investments in child care could spur $220 billion in new economic activity!
As an advocate for kids, I urge you to pass the FY24 appropriations bill with a $4.3 billion increase in federal spending on early childhood education, for a total of $12.4 billion of funding.
Thank you. I look forward to hearing your response!
[Your comment here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
