NAEYC's response to the early childhood educator, with legal authorization to work in the United States, being detained by federal immigration officials at her child care program, in front of children and families.
Parents and providers alike want child care that is affordable, reliable, safe, and high-quality, led by qualified and respected educators, and supported by strong standards that protect children and the adults who care for them.
The federal government officially shut down on Oct. 1, 2025, when Republicans and Democrats could not reach a funding agreement to keep the government open.
Today, the Senate narrowly voted to pass budget legislation that will cause significant harm to many children, families, and early childhood educators.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
This issue of Young Children focuses on how early childhood leaders and educators determine what, when, and how children learn in educational settings.
The White House released a detailed FY26 budget proposal that includes harmful cuts to programs supporting young children, families, and early childhood educators. Find out what was in the full budget request and its implications for the field.
By leveraging the expertise and passion you already bring to the table, you can make a powerful impact at all levels of advocacy, and together, we can create a stronger, more supportive environment for our youngest learners.
Michelle Zurita-Sharpe is a special education teacher in a blended pre-K classroom at Blair Early Childhood Center, a Chicago public school. Blair serves children in prekindergarten through second grade.
