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
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 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
Dan Wuori of Early Childhood Policy Solutions reflects on his extensive career in early childhood education, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping policy.
Erica Phillips of the National Association for Family Child Care discusses her background, explains how family child care homes operate, and highlights the role of businesses in supporting these vital community services.
AnneMarie Robley of Imagine Early Learning Centers shares a glimpse into their expansion, culturally responsive approach, and unique methods for fostering connections, aiming to build a more inclusive and supportive childcare community.
In the final edition of the first year of “Commerce Meets Classroom”, Kyle Butler provides a look back on a lively year and provides a few thoughts on where the field should be heading.
A Q & A with EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl
On December 3–4, we hosted an invite-only event for business decision makers in partnership with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC).
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.
