Introducing CCFP's New ECE State Policy Center
By Katharine B. Stevens
BLOG
October 22, 2025
We're thrilled to announce the launch of the ECE State Policy Center — an exciting new initiative from the Center on Child and Family Policy designed to help state leaders advance early care and education (ECE) policy that empowers parents and promotes the healthy development of their young children.
This new resource is grounded in a single powerful idea: real progress in early care and education happens in the states. While federal funding provides essential support, states — not Washington — have the authority and the best tools to lead on ECE.
ECE State Policy Center’s approach is grounded in a core philosophy: the most effective ECE policy empowers parents with choice, targets public resources to the families who need them most, and strengthens the existing market of providers rather than creating new government programs.
The Center focuses on two interconnected goals that drive maximum results:
Empowering lower-income parents to access high-quality ECE so they can achieve financial self-sufficiency and ensure their children thrive.
Building the sustainable ECE workforce that makes high-quality programs possible.
To help state leaders achieve these goals, the ECE State Policy Center provides:
A Clear Policy Framework: Core principles and practical strategies to guide smart, family-centered decision-making.
Proven State Solutions: Real-world examples from across the country showcasing policies and partnerships that are delivering results now.
Essential ECE Knowledge: A 120-term glossary and clear guides to ECE fundamentals that cut through jargon and make complex policy accessible.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to explore the new ECE State Policy Center at www.ecestatepolicy.org. We welcome your feedback and ideas for its continued growth.
See Also
Blog ~ July 15, 2024
Report - April 8, 2021
Policy Brief ~ June 4, 2018