As the ongoing government shutdown continues to disrupt the lives of families and educators across the country, NAEYC joins families, educators, and allies in every state and community who are urging members to fund the government and support child care and early learning, health care, and nutrition. Every day that Congress remains at an impasse means an ever-growing crisis for children, families, and early childhood educators. Some Head Start programs already have been forced to close, leaving thousands of young children and families without access to quality early childhood education and supports. Millions of educators and families risk facing increased hunger and soaring health care costs. Health, safety, and education aren’t nice-to-haves. They are needs that must be met, and we demand urgent action by our elected leaders to return to DC, do their jobs, meet those needs, and help our families and communities thrive.