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
As school districts face tightening budgets and a looming fiscal cliff for 2025-26, businesses have a critical role to play in supporting education through strategic investments, community partnerships, and advocacy for evidence-based programs.
In this edition of "Commerce Meets Classroom," our K-12 education expert, Kyle Butler, proudly claims that we are all math people, highlighting how basic numeracy skills are crucial for building the strong American workforce of the future.
Seventy-three percent of employees have a caregiving responsibility, but are employers paying attention to this shift? Denise O’Brien of Bright Horizons addresses the “trilemma” that prevents employees from finding care and shares effective employer strategies for solving the trilemma.
Vermont’s innovative Act 76 addresses the child care crisis with funding through a payroll tax. Aly Richards of Let’s Grow Kids highlights the decade-long campaign, business leadership, and grassroots mobilization that made this reform possible, offering a model for other states to follow.
Mayor Todd Barton discusses Crawfordsville’s efforts to tackle childcare challenges, highlighting community involvement and sustainable solutions to support working parents and boost local workforce development.
Introducing Commerce Meets Classroom, a new series from our K-12 education Senior Manager, Kyle Butler, featuring the business perspective on pressing education issues.
Louise Stoney, co-founder of Opportunities Exchange, discusses transforming child care business models to ensure sustainability and quality. This conversation covers the importance of accurate data, modern technology, and the roles of community and business support in addressing child care challenges.
Child Care Aware® of America CEO Susan Gale Perry dissects the complex nature of American childcare, spotlighting creative approaches to bridge the gap between family needs and available services. She explores Tri-Share Models, business-led initiatives, and collaborative efforts that aim to transform early education and childcare bolstering workforce support nationally.
In this episode of “Continuing the Conversation,” Adam Alson and Haden Polseno-Hensley discuss addressing childcare challenges for small businesses in rural areas. Discover how these unique approaches are transforming communities and providing better opportunities for employees and their families.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation partnered with the NC Chamber Foundation and NC Child to understand the unique needs of working parents in North Carolina.
