Earlier this year, we visited a child care center in downtown Los Angeles — reading a well-thumbed copy of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” to a class of giddy preschoolers.
While the kids were enjoying story time, the anxiety of the adults lining the room was plain to see. These parents and early educators know how thoroughly our child care system is failing young learners and their families.
For millions of Americans, a quality early education means brutal financial sacrifices. Right now, four in ten families are taking on debt just to cover the costs of child care.
That enormous strain can be found across America, from California to Massachusetts. In every zip code, child care and early education are systematically underfunded and underprioritized — with devastating results.
Families are choosing between paying for groceries and paying for the care that enables them to hold a job. Meanwhile, early…
