Early Childhood Education Framework

Access to early childhood care and education is essential—for children’s development, for working families and for the long-term strength of our economy. Yet families across the country face significant barriers to accessing the care they need.

Early childhood education systems are often a confusing patchwork of funding streams, agencies, and programs that don’t work together. And there’s a disconnect between how families experience the early childhood system and how governments administer it. This gap creates systemic fragmentation that limits both efficiency and opportunity.

This framework offers leaders a clear, actionable roadmap to build a more coordinated, effective early childhood system—one that truly meets the needs of children, families, and providers. It reflects the lessons, progress and insights gained since the original version of the framework was released in 2022.