Lost in the Labyrinth: Helping Parents Navigate Early Care and Education Programs
The Lost in the Labyrinth brief examines how fragmented early care and education (ECE) programs across the U.S. create challenges for families seeking services for young children.
This brief by New America’s New Practice Lab highlights the complexities families face when navigating ECE programs due to varying eligibility criteria, application processes, and administrative structures across states.
The report emphasizes that this fragmentation often leads to missed opportunities for children’s development during critical early years. It suggests that consolidating information, simplifying application procedures, and enhancing coordination among programs can improve access and equity for families. The brief also provides data on the diverse landscape of ECE services nationwide, illustrating the need for cohesive policy approaches to support young children’s growth and learning.
Share this Resource: