ICW focuses on early learning as an investment in workforce development and seeks to drive the national debate about preschool policies and programs, as well as provide information to the business community at the local, state, and national levels. Learn more about our current initiatives, latest news, and policy priorities below:

Initiatives

Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI)

December 08, 2009

The Early Childhood Education Initiative will establish an Early Childhood Education Working Group for business that will provide information to the business community at the local, state, and national levels so that it can actively engage in implementing policies that support high-quality early childhood education programs.

Early Childhood Education Speaker Resources

April 16, 2009

A project of the Early Childhood Education Working Group is to compile materials that will help members of the business community better understand the early childhood landscape and to make presentations on the issue.

News »

E-Newsletter Article | Early Childhood, Policy

Early Learning Focus Grows, Expands at ED

Posted November 28, 2011

In May, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) expanded its commitment to the preparation children receive prior to kindergarten, an area recent research has shown to be integral to academic success, with the announcement that new Race to the Top funds would be used for grants to enhance early childhood education Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius joined business, law enforcement, and military leaders to announce the Race to the Top—Early Learning Challenge, highlighting how investments in high-quality early learning programs help reduce crime, strengthen national security, and boost competitiveness.

E-Newsletter Article | Early Childhood, Policy

Early Childhood Race to the Top Proves Popular with States

Posted October 24, 2011

The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services announced October 20 that 35 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico submitted applications for the Race to the Top–Early Learning Challenge (RTT–ELC), a $500 million state-level competitive grant program to improve early learning and development.

Headline | Early Childhood | Huffington Post

Prioritizing Early Childhood Education: We Can't Afford to Wait

Posted June 29, 2011

Just in case you've been distracted, by the debate over Medicaid, health care, and the war in Afghanistan, or the endless number of local, national and global crises, here are three good reasons, oft repeated, why we need to make early childhood education a priority.

Policy

Building the Foundation - Early Childhood and Pre-K

December 10, 2009

Read the U.S. Chamber's policy position on early childhood education.

Leaders and Laggards »

A state-by-state report card reflecting the performance of the 50 states & DC on their K-12 education.

© U. S. Chamber of Commerce