Checking In: A Snapshot of the Child Care Landscape – 2017 State Fact Sheets

Research tells us that quality child care, for the first 5 years of a child’s development, provides a solid foundation for future success and has long term academic and social benefits for the child and society. The evidence is clear – children who participate in high-quality programs during their early years demonstrate lasting effects on IQ, boosted academic and economic achievement, and lower incidences of childhood obesity and chronic illness. Even so, every state has its own unique child care landscape. Child Care Aware® of America’s 2017 State Fact Sheets provide a snapshot of child care availability, quality rating systems, and other programs occurring at the state level. Data was gathered from federal and national sources and from our state child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) networks and other CCR&Rs surveyed in 2017. Please join us in spreading the word about child care facts in your state.