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.
Important Links
- Untapped Potential: Economic Impact of Childcare Breakdowns in the U.S.
- Business Leads Fellowship Program
- The Childcare Roadmap for Employers
- Future of Data in K-12 Education
- The Drumbeat Interview Series
- Continuing the Conversation
- States Continue to Lead on Childcare Innovation: 2025 Update on Public-Private Partnerships
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
Solutions Bank
Our latest pilot is an AI-powered platform that provides business leaders with a curated repository of real-world, proven solutions to complex challenges, starting with childcare.
Game Plan: Leveraging Federal Tax Incentives for Business Childcare Solutions
Download our Game Plan to leverage the enhanced 45F Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit. Learn key 2026 changes, pooled small-business models, allowable expenses, and intermediary support to attract talent, cut turnover, and simplify compliance with Form 8882.
Stay Connected
Get updates on Early Childhood Education News including the ECE Quarterly Newsletter.
The Childcare Roadmap for Employers
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.
Future of Data in K-12 Education: A Comprehensive Analysis
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
- Economist Abby McCloskey joins The Drumbeat to discuss the state of early childhood education policy, what employers need to know about childcare solutions, and what we can expect moving forward with childcare policy in a divided government.Right now, maybe more than any other time in modern history, working parents are devoting significant amounts of time, energy, and resources into balancing their roles at home and in the workplace. Parents must consider various factors in determining the level and type of childcare solutions that best meet their needs.Looking back on 2022 fills me with pride and a sense of awe at all the team has accomplished in 12 short months. The Center for Education and Workforce at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation continues to conceive of and lead long-term systems change in education and workforce—the underpinnings of American competitiveness and prosperity.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the launch of a nationwide Future of Data in K-12 Education Design Challenge, to develop innovative ideas on how to improve public school assessments and accountability in the United States. The Design Challenge is the next phase in a multi-year initiative, the Future of Data in K-12 Education, launched earlier this year.April Kimble, early childhood education specialist, joins The Drumbeat to discuss the importance of quality when evaluating childcare solutions. Kimble discussed key indicators of quality like building a positive environment, licensing, basic education, and more.On September 29 and 30, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2022 Early Childhood Education Summit in Denver, Colorado providing an opportunity for business leaders, providers, and early childhood advocates to discuss and analyze child care through a state-and-federal policy lens. Aaron Merchen (Education, US Chamber of Commerce & Director, Policy & Programs, Early Childhood Education, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation) who led the summit and worked with the state and regions toward identifying early childhood priorities and creating actions to address those priorities to policymakers discussed some key takeaways.Charles Aull, executive director of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, discussed how childcare impacts the labor market in Kentucky, specific access and affordability concerns in the state, and solutions employers can explore.The U.S. Chamber Foundation has launched a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education to develop policy recommendations focused on all students, especially those who have been historically underserved by the K-12 system.
