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Published: December 2, 2021
Providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students.
Children in early childhood education programs are:
- Less likely to repeat a grade
- Less likely to be identified as having special needs
- More prepared academically for later grades
- More likely to graduate from high school
- Higher earners in the workforce
Access to effective, diverse programs breaks down structural barriers that have prevented all children–particularly children of color and children from disadvantaged families–from achieving their full potential.
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NEA Urges Congressional Action on a Range of Priorities in Lame Duck Session
Submitted on November 18, 2022
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Pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2022
Submitted on March 9, 2022
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 1345 Child Care for Working Families Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 27, 2023
A bill to increase the quality and supply of child care and lower child care costs for families.
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Support
HR 2976 Child Care for Working Families Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 27, 2023
A bill to increase the quality and supply of child care and lower child care costs for families
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Support
S 388 Child Care for Every Community Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on February 9, 2023
A bill that would ensure that every family in every community has access to high quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities by establishing a network of federally-supported, locally-administered child care options.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Suggested Further Reading
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Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession
Power to the Profession National Task Force
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Impacts of Early Childhood Education on Medium- and Long-Term Educational Outcomes
U.S National Libary of Medicine
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Untangling the Evidence on Preschool Effectiveness: Insights for Policymakers
Learning Policy Institute
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