Ensuring Access to Affordable, Quality Childcare and Early Education for Lifelong Success
Early childhood is a formative period that lays the foundation for a child’s development, with quality early childhood education (ECE) and childcare proven to boost academic, social, and economic outcomes. Yet, for many families, quality childcare remains both costly and inaccessible. With the average cost of full-time childcare in the U.S. reaching nearly $10,000 per year, affordability is a significant barrier, especially for low- and middle-income families. Without affordable childcare, many parents face the difficult choice of leaving the workforce or placing their child in inadequate care.
First Rights Global advocates for policies that expand public funding for ECE and childcare, working to ensure that all children—regardless of family income—have access to safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care. When families have access to affordable, high-quality childcare, children benefit from environments that support their cognitive and emotional growth, while parents gain economic stability and the freedom to work or further their education.
Countries like Finland, where early childhood education is publicly funded and universally accessible, demonstrate the broad societal benefits of affordable childcare. In Finland, every child has access to quality ECE, which helps level the playing field and gives all families the support they need. First Rights Global’s vision includes federally funded childcare centers and increased resources for early learning programs in the U.S., closing educational and economic disparities from an early age and fostering a culture that values family stability and child development.
Through robust investment in early education and affordable childcare, we can help families create a foundation of support, stability, and opportunity. First Rights Global envisions a future where children are equipped with the skills and resources they need from the very beginning, while families experience the peace of mind that comes from accessible, quality childcare options.
External Resources
- Advocate for local and national policies that expand public funding for childcare and early childhood education.
- Support organizations that provide subsidized childcare services to low-income families.
- Raise awareness about the economic and social benefits of affordable, quality childcare in your community.