Head Start Works, but the Trump Administration Is Undermining It ArticleOctober 16, 2026 Head Start Works, but the Trump Administration Is Undermining It Proposed changes threaten Head Start’s proven success in a move consistent with the administration’s position on the program—risking job losses, service cuts, and reduced access for vulnerable families. Oct 16, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Carter Nesmith
In Rural Communities, Head Start Is Often the Only Licensed Child Care Option ReportOctober 16, 2026 In Rural Communities, Head Start Is Often the Only Licensed Child Care Option In rural areas, Head Start provides an indispensable lifeline for families who lack access to any other licensed early learning or child care options. Oct 16, 2026 Hailey Gibbs
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Program Performance Standards Key to Fulfilling the Head Start Promise ArticleOctober 8, 2026 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Program Performance Standards Key to Fulfilling the Head Start Promise The Center for American Progress recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing a recent rule that would dramatically reduce the standards supporting Head Start governance, quality, and access. Oct 8, 2026 Hailey Gibbs
America’s Child Care Crisis Leaves Many Families Without Access to Licensed Care ArticleJuly 9, 2026 America’s Child Care Crisis Leaves Many Families Without Access to Licensed Care The child care system faces severe affordability and supply crises, leaving more than 50 percent of young children without adequate access in 42 percent of U.S. congressional districts. Jul 9, 2026 Hailey Gibbs
Trump Rule Changes Would Kneecap Head Start In the NewsJune 26, 2026 Trump Rule Changes Would Kneecap Head Start In an op-ed for The Progressive Magazine, Hailey Gibbs argues that a proposed Trump administration rule change would exacerbate child care shortages, keep educators trapped in poverty-level wages, and ultimately harm children and families. Jun 26, 2026 The Progressive Magazine Hailey Gibbs
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Wage and Benefits Improvements for Head Start Workforce ArticleJune 11, 2026 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Wage and Benefits Improvements for Head Start Workforce The Center for American Progress recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opposing the revocation of a 2024 rule improving Head Start staff and educator wages and benefits. Jun 11, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
The Nationwide Child Care Crisis: Addressing Affordability and Supply Shortages Past EventJune 4, 2026 The Nationwide Child Care Crisis: Addressing Affordability and Supply Shortages A discussion about new research, the impacts on families and communities, and the actions that leaders in Congress are taking now to build toward a child care system for the future that supports the nation’s youngest learners. Center for American Progress and Online via Zoom Jun 4, 2026
Nearly Two-Thirds of Governors Prioritize Child Care and Early Learning in Their 2026 State of the State Addresses ReportMay 26, 2026 Nearly Two-Thirds of Governors Prioritize Child Care and Early Learning in Their 2026 State of the State Addresses Amid federal funding cuts that strain state budgets, CAP analysis finds that governors are highlighting child care and early learning as priorities for their constituents. May 26, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
Measuring America’s Licensed Child Care Supply ReportApril 29, 2026 Measuring America’s Licensed Child Care Supply Analysis conducted in 2025 measuring families’ access to child care programs, a crucial first step to mitigating the child care supply crisis. Apr 29, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Won F. Lee, Gabrielle Pepin, 2 More Katharine Sadowski, Aaron Sojourner
America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts ReportApril 29, 2026 America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts Eight years after our initial report, CAP’s 2026 analyses of U.S. licensed child care supply reveal that just fewer than half of the nation's young children still live in child care deserts. Apr 29, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
Executive Summary: America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts Fact SheetApril 29, 2026 Executive Summary: America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts Lawmakers must address the nation’s child care supply crisis; according to CAP’s 2026 analysis, nearly half of young children are in licensed child care deserts, with rural areas facing the worst shortages. Apr 29, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
The Trump Administration’s Changes to the Child Care and Development Fund Would Strip Families of Thousands of Dollars in Potential Child Care Savings ArticleApril 13, 2026 The Trump Administration’s Changes to the Child Care and Development Fund Would Strip Families of Thousands of Dollars in Potential Child Care Savings Removing a 7 percent cap on child care copayments would put much-needed relief from rising child care costs out of reach for families in 10 states. Apr 13, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks