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
- A Q & A with EPIC President and CEO Nicole RiehlOn 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.Vermont’s innovative Act 76 addresses the child care crisis with funding through a payroll tax. Aly Richards of Let’s Grow Kids highlights the decade-long campaign, business leadership, and grassroots mobilization that made this reform possible, offering a model for other states to follow.Mayor Todd Barton discusses Crawfordsville’s efforts to tackle childcare challenges, highlighting community involvement and sustainable solutions to support working parents and boost local workforce development.Introducing Commerce Meets Classroom, a new series from our K-12 education Senior Manager, Kyle Butler, featuring the business perspective on pressing education issues.Louise Stoney, co-founder of Opportunities Exchange, discusses transforming child care business models to ensure sustainability and quality. This conversation covers the importance of accurate data, modern technology, and the roles of community and business support in addressing child care challenges.Child Care Aware® of America CEO Susan Gale Perry dissects the complex nature of American childcare, spotlighting creative approaches to bridge the gap between family needs and available services. She explores Tri-Share Models, business-led initiatives, and collaborative efforts that aim to transform early education and childcare bolstering workforce support nationally.
