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.
Programs and Initiatives
Breaking the Gridlock: An Action Plan to Strengthen Education-to-Workforce Pathways
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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.
Employers Lead the Way in Piecing Together Childcare Solutions
Sasha Nicholas, associate manager of early childhood education, reflects on key takeaways from the panel, "Piecing Together Childcare Solutions," an engaging conversation held at the 14th Annual International Women's Day Forum.
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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.
Podcast: Educating the Workforce of the Future with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
On this episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Meghan Pennington explored the impact of early childhood education on the future workforce with our guests from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Senior Vice President and Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy, Cheryl Oldham, and Vice President of Policy and Programs, Caitlin Codella Low. Drawing from their extensive experience in the education sector, Cheryl and Caitlin provided valuable insights into the importance of a robust childcare system in shaping the workforce pipeline and the necessity of investing in our youngest learners.
Latest Content
New Survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation finds 40% of employers have offered additional childcare assistance, benefits, or accommodations in response to the effects of COVID-19.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a new report, “Piecing Together Solutions: Working Parents, Childcare, and COVID-19,” examining how working parents of children under the age of six are navigating childcare during the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has altered the work environment of nearly 90% of working parents and caused two-thirds to adjust their childcare arrangements.
Childcare is important for children, and it is essential for working parents. Parents rely on childcare to help them enter, re-enter, or remain in the workforce. But access to affordable, quality childcare is hard to come by, and now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families are experiencing additional challenges in finding childcare that meets their needs. It is no secret that parents dedicate significant energy and resources balancing their roles at home, in the community, and in the workplace. Parents must consider various factors in determining the level and type of childcare solutions that best meet their needs. These factors make up what we’re referring to as the ‘Childcare Equation.’
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a report examining the impact of childcare issues on Pennsylvania’s state economy. The study found that Pennsylvania loses an estimated $3.47 billion annually for the state’s economy.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a report examining the impact of childcare issues on Mississippi’s state economy. The study found that Mississippi loses an estimated $673 million annually for the state’s economy. This number includes an estimated $120 million annual loss in tax revenue as well as an estimated annual loss to Mississippi employers of $553 million on absences and employee turnover as a result of childcare breakdowns.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a report examining the impact of childcare issues on Iowa’s state economy. The study found that Iowa loses an estimated $935 million annually for the state’s economy. This number includes an estimated $153 million annual loss in tax revenue as well as an estimated annual loss to Iowa’s employers of $781 million on absences and employee turnover as a result of childcare breakdowns.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a report examining the impact of childcare issues on Idaho’s state economy. The study found that Idaho loses an estimated $479 million annually for the state’s economy. This number includes an estimated $65 million annual loss in tax revenue as well as an estimated annual loss to Idaho’s employers of $414 million on absences and employee turnover as a result of childcare breakdowns.