Accessible, affordable, high-quality child care and early education are vital for the economic well-being of families, communities, and the nation. However, families, especially those of color with low incomes, face significant challenges in accessing these services due to systemic racial and economic barriers. Federal programs like the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Head Start help, but funding has never met the need.

Affordability remains a major hurdle, with child care costs often exceeding the federal affordability benchmark. Only a fraction of eligible children receive subsidies, with racial and ethnic disparities further limiting access. The pandemic highlighted the importance of child care, with relief funding providing temporary support. Yet, without continued investment, these gains are at risk.

Recent policy shifts, such as the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order and new CCDBG rules in February 2024, show progress. However, sustained, significant public investments are needed to build a universally accessible, affordable, and equitable child care system, free from its historically racist roots.

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