Center on Child and Family Policy

CCFP provides rigorous research and policy analysis to advance the well-being of young children and their families.

[Katharine B. Stevens, PhD @kbstevens]

The push for universal #childcare rests on three core claims:

- Parents want free childcare.
- The research proves big returns.
- Quality is scalable.

*Yet all three claims are false.*

My recent piece for @FamStudies takes a closer look at each:https://t.co/H0WMMcHyk3

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

State leadership delivers ECE results Washington can't.

States can move beyond one-size-fits-all mandates to craft targeted solutions — grounded in local needs — that empower parents & make programs better for children.

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Effective ECE policy is built by states, not Washington.

States control the levers that matter. When they get policy right, they see clear returns for their workforce, economy — and families with young children.

See why states must lead: https://t.co/sGkwmopPx1

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Effective ECE policy is built by states, not Washington.

States control the levers that matter. When they get policy right, they see clear returns for their workforce, economy — and families with young children.

See why states must lead: https://t.co/sGkwmopPx1

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Any setting where young children spend substantial time shapes their development.

When states treat “childcare” as separate from “education,” it wastes money and confuses families.

Smart policy focuses on real needs of children and families - not false bureaucratic distinctions.

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

What's the difference between “childcare” and “early education”?

There isn’t one.

People often view childcare and early education as two different things, but this distinction ignores how young children actually develop.

Get the ECE Essentials: https://t.co/vR853xhOQ5

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

What's the difference between “childcare” and “early education”?

There isn’t one.

People often view childcare and early education as two different things, but this distinction ignores how young children actually develop.

Get the ECE Essentials: https://t.co/vR853xhOQ5

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Many lower-income working parents face an impossible choice: put their child in a substandard program or give up a steady job.

This damages families and state economies.

Our first key policy goal is empowering these parents with real purchasing power & a diverse marketplace of options.

See the strategies: https://t.co/EcroN1SfxS

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

You've seen our 5 core principles. Now, see the tools.

The ECE State Policy Center is designed for state leaders with "Solutions in Action" and clear guides to ECE fundamentals.

Explore here: https://t.co/VrtbtGriwK

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Creating ECE policy that truly works for families, children, and state economies is complex. It requires a coherent foundation for decisionmaking.

We’re launching a new ECE State Policy Center with five core principles to guide the way:

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

(6/6) These principles aren't just theory—they're a roadmap.

See the policy solutions they guide & the innovative state examples proving they work.

Welcome to CCFP’s ECE State Policy Center: https://t.co/VrtbtGrQmi

#earlychildhoodeducation #ECE #earlyedpolicy #childcarepolicy

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Creating ECE policy that truly works for families, children, and state economies is complex. It requires a coherent foundation for decisionmaking.

We’re launching a new ECE State Policy Center with five core principles to guide the way:

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

(5/6) Focus on Cost-Effective Results, Not Spending:

Track results to ensure public dollars achieve what matters most.

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

(2/6) Put Families First: Empower parents — not government — to choose what’s best for their child.

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

(1/6) Target Support Where It’s Needed Most: Focus public dollars on families who can’t access quality programs on their own.

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

CCFP’s @kbstevens and @GeorgiaMjartan discuss a revolutionary tech tool that is connecting SC #families to essential early childhood services. @SCFirstSteps
https://t.co/2OlJmH2v3Q

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

In a world of siloed systems, South Carolina is putting #families first by streamlining technology. Find out how they’re transforming access to vital services with Early Matters podcast guest, @GeorgiaMjartan @SCFirstSteps
https://t.co/2OlJmH2v3Q

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Streamlining access to resources for young children shouldn’t be revolutionary, but it is. @GeorgiaMjartan joins the Early Matters podcast to discuss how South Carolina is leading the way. @kbstevens @_CCFP
https://t.co/2OlJmH2v3Q

[Center on Child and Family Policy @_CCFP]

Great weekend listen! On the latest episode of Early Matters, @kbstevens welcomes @GeorgiaMjartan to discuss the tech innovation that connects South Carolina #families with the early childhood services they need.
https://t.co/2OlJmH2v3Q