Presents key findings from a survey on direct state expenditures for child care and early childhood development services. The survey found striking disparities among the 50 states, as well as patterns of inadequate investment in every state. Recommendations are offered to increase and improve state and federal investments in such services to…

This survey of child care administrators from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, conducted by the Children's Defense Fund, examined the adequacy of federal and state funding for child care and state child care policies. Data were collected by means of phone interviews and verified with administrators following collection. The findings…

Access to quality child care is critical to working parents. Prior to the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, states had a significant level of responsibility for child care, and the 1996 welfare reform law further expanded the state's role. This report examines state efforts in child care and early education in…