The Educare Five

Ensure families have access to high-quality, culturally-responsive, equitable early learning and care at no or low cost, in the setting they most prefer, during the time they need care.

• Robustly fund early childhood programs so all families can afford care that meets their needs.
• Ensure greater flexibility in learning program eligibility.
• Expand access to Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCPs).

Ensure young children and their families have adequate finances and resources to access the housing, care, services and supports needed to thrive.

• Expand investments, such as child tax credits, to foster financial security.
• Extend early childhood and basic supports for the whole family.

Ensure early childhood teachers and staff are skilled, well-compensated and supported while promoting young children’s learning, health and development.

• Promote investments to ensure higher, more equitable pay and benefits.
• Strengthen equitable funding and supports for professional learning and educational opportunities.
• Expand supports for staff well-being.

Ensure young children have consistent access to the physical and mental health supports and services they need to thrive.

• Support infants, toddlers and children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families.
• Strengthen children’s mental health and social emotional development.

Ensure families experience continuity of care and responsive services as a result of aligned systems and policies.

• Align eligibility across early childhood programs and services.
• Coordinate and collaborate effectively across system areas.
• Embed equity indicators within early childhood accountability and monitoring systems.