Early Childhood and K-12 Education
The students of today are the employees of tomorrow, and they need the skills to thrive in the 21st century global economy and beyond. Our education initiatives unite business, policy, and community leaders and stakeholders to develop solutions in early childhood and K-12 education.
Our early childhood education initiatives address a two-generation workforce challenge: supporting today's workforce and preparing tomorrow's workforce.
The K-12 education system of today leaves too many students underprepared for the careers ahead of them. We’re dedicated to closing achievement gaps, promoting standards-driven approaches, and connecting all students to a successful future.
At the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we are committed to advancing solutions that ensure every child has access to quality early education. Investing in early childhood education is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth.— Aaron Merchen, Senior Director, Early Childhood Education
Programs and Initiatives
Continuing the Conversation
Childcare remains a major issue across the United States, impacting parents, employers and local communities. The “Continuing the Conversation” series brings together leaders working to address these challenges and chart a positive way forward for childcare in America.
Watch the Interviews
Stay Connected
Get updates on Early Childhood Education News including the ECE Quarterly Newsletter.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has developed Childcare Roadmap Videos to provide a visual representation of the Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents. This roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation released new research that examines the impact of data-driven accountability education policy over the last 20 years and sets the stage for concrete recommendations for the federal role in education.
Latest Content
In this first installment of the series, we’ll review some of the mechanisms that are currently in place to help address a layered and complex situation of childcare.
John Jenks, director of public policy at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, shares how the program helped deepen his advocacy efforts in fostering a strong workforce development, particularly for justice-invovled individuals.
Alex Breault, the director of talent initiatives at Greater Naples Chamber, shares how the program allowed her to deepen her knowledge, connect with others, and grow in her field.
Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Education Trust released the report "Equity in Childcare is Everyone's Business," which examines the importance of addressing the negative impacts of sexism and racism on the childcare industry and proposes ways in which state and local chambers, in partnership with child care providers, can address those issues while supporting children and families.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Education Trust today released a report, "Equity in Child Care is Everyone's Business," sharing insights from Black and Latina child care providers about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation studies found that state economies lost between $100 million and $10 billion this year because of childcare issues.
Advocates for early education on both sides of the aisle are working to improve young children's educational outcomes in ways that are affordable and accessible to parents.
Childcare is essential for employers and working families alike. Innovative approaches in the private sector have led to new opportunities for working families and employers to connect with childcare providers; however, additional attention and investment from state and federal governments are necessary to create a childcare system that meets everyone's needs.
