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
- Barbi Jones is moving North Carolina forward in her role as executive director of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as a Business Leads Fellow.In our annual impact report, you will see how we are translating our bold new vision into action by organizing around proven capabilities in civics and democracy, disaster resilience, education, and workforce.“What do you want to be when you grow up?” might be a question asked of children, whose dreams and aspirations can feel far-fetched and far-reaching in ways that inspire and humor us. But as those children grow into young adults, navigating the pressures, stressors, and opportunities that come with making decisions about the future, we believe career readiness can do more to support young people as they decide what they’ll grow up to be—and give them the resources and tools to do it.How can the U.S. be competitive without math? This is the question that America’s business leaders need to be asking themselves as we receive yet another concerning indicator that our nation’s public education system is moving in the wrong direction.Zeb Welborn and Renay Sehgal Mehta, through their roles at the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and as Business Leads Fellows, are tackling workforce shortages facing businesses and communities.Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, uplifts communities through connecting business and education, and championing collaboration as a Business Leads Fellow.Kelly Fuller has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between K-12 education and career through the championing of lifelong learning through her work at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and as a Business Leads Fellow.Awareness gap sidelines parents in supporting their child’s learning, underperformance predicted to stifle future earnings
