All children need stable relationships with parents and caring adults and safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments to thrive. Nationally, 61 percent of young children receive regular non-parental care [i] through a continuum of settings that include: family, friends, and neighbors; licensed family care; child care and early learning centers; and pre-kindergarten programs. [ii]

Particularly for poor children, participation in high-quality early care and education programs from birth to kindergarten entry positively impact child well-being and later school success. [iii] But access is a particular challenge for low-income families who can neither find nor afford high quality opportunities in their communities. [iv] Access to state-funded pre-kindergarten is growing, but access to high-quality child care is still inadequate. State child care licensing requirements do not promote nurturing, high-quality care. [v]

What Can Policymakers Do?

• Improve access to child care for low-wage families.

• Invest in infant and toddler care.

• Invest in quality pre-kindergarten.

Economic Benefits

States using economic impact studies have documented the Early Care and Education industry’s importance to the economy’s health. Georgia’s study found that the industry;

· Generates $4.1 million in economic activity in the state annually.

· Provides and generates nearly 75,000 jobs.

· Supports between $13.6 billion and $32.7 billion in parents’ estimated annual earnings.

· Generates $117 million in tax revenues.