Child Care Aware of America

For years, we've talked about the child care workforce crisis—recruitment, retention, career pathways, and professionalization. One of the biggest gaps is surprisingly simple: child care remains one of the only essential professions without a clear, consistent entry point. That’s a problem we can solve. In my latest blog, I make the case for adopting the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential as the nation's entry-level credential for child care professionals. It’s a practical, portable, competency-based starting point that is already trusted, already available, and already helping prepare educators for the realities of the classroom. The CDA is the best first step. https://lnkd.in/gnjrCXnu

If this work has felt especially heavy lately, you’re not alone. Child care leaders are being asked to do more with less; navigating challenges, supporting families, and holding systems together under real strain. That’s exactly why coming together matters. At the 2026 Child Care Aware® of America Symposium, you’ll find something that’s hard to come by right now: space to reconnect, learn alongside peers who understand your work, and leave with renewed energy and ideas for what comes next. We know budgets are tight. But this is more than a conference—it’s a chance to refuel, re-engage, and remember you’re part of a community working toward something bigger. Join us May 3–6 in Arlington, VA for Child Care Strong: Igniting Opportunity. https://lnkd.in/efHcjh57

In a moment when the future of child care is being debated, your voice—and your leadership—matter more than ever. Don't miss the chance to come together and spark change for child care providers, families, and children. At Child Care Aware® of America’s 2026 Symposium, Child Care Strong: Igniting Opportunity, leaders from across the country will gather not just to respond to challenges but to move forward with purpose. Register by April 17: https://lnkd.in/efHcjh57

We know budgets are tight. But some opportunities are too valuable to miss. Join 400+ child care leaders at the 2026 Child Care Aware® of America Symposium to gain the connections, momentum, and real-world insights you can’t get anywhere else. Let’s come together and ignite change for families and children. 📍 May 3–6 | Arlington, VA Register now: https://lnkd.in/efHcjh57

Across the country, states are proving that bold thinking and strategic action can move the needle on child care—and at Symposium 2026, we're bringing those stories into the room. Leaders like Caitlin Jensen and Aly Richards are doing the work in Montana and Vermont, and in "Igniting Opportunity: Building the Future of Child Care at the State Level," they'll share what it actually takes to get from vision to implementation. Real lessons. Real progress. Real talk about how cross-sector collaboration is expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care for families. Register by April 17 and be part of the conversations shaping the future of child care: https://lnkd.in/efHcjh57 #IgnitingOpportunity #ChildCareStrong

Behind every statistic is a story. Join nationally known journalists and storytellers at the 2026 Child Care Aware® of America Symposium as they share how reporting and storytelling are elevating lived experiences, shaping public understanding, and influencing child care policy. This session offers a deeper look at the stories behind the headlines—and the impact they’re having across communities. 📍 May 3–6 | Arlington, VA Register: https://lnkd.in/efHcjh57