Early Childhood and K-12 Education
The students of today are the employees of tomorrow, and they need the skills to thrive in the 21st century global economy and beyond. Our education initiatives unite business, policy, and community leaders and stakeholders to develop solutions in early childhood and K-12 education.
Our early childhood education initiatives address a two-generation workforce challenge: supporting today's workforce and preparing tomorrow's workforce.
The K-12 education system of today leaves too many students underprepared for the careers ahead of them. We’re dedicated to closing achievement gaps, promoting standards-driven approaches, and connecting all students to a successful future.
Important Links
- Untapped Potential: Economic Impact of Childcare Breakdowns in the U.S.
- Business Leads Fellowship Program
- The Childcare Roadmap for Employers
- Future of Data in K-12 Education
- The Drumbeat Interview Series
- Continuing the Conversation
- States Continue to Lead on Childcare Innovation: 2025 Update on Public-Private Partnerships
At the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we are committed to advancing solutions that ensure every child has access to quality early education. Investing in early childhood education is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth.— Aaron Merchen, Senior Director, Early Childhood Education
Programs and Initiatives
Continuing the Conversation
Childcare remains a major issue across the United States, impacting parents, employers and local communities. The “Continuing the Conversation” series brings together leaders working to address these challenges and chart a positive way forward for childcare in America.
Watch the Interviews
Stay Connected
Get updates on Early Childhood Education News including the ECE Quarterly Newsletter.
The Childcare Roadmap for Employers
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has developed Childcare Roadmap Videos to provide a visual representation of the Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents. This roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours.
Future of Data in K-12 Education: A Comprehensive Analysis
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation released new research that examines the impact of data-driven accountability education policy over the last 20 years and sets the stage for concrete recommendations for the federal role in education.
Latest Content
- Download our Game Plan guide to leverage the enhanced 45F Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit. Learn key 2026 changes, pooled small-business models, allowable expenses, and intermediary support to attract talent, cut turnover, and simplify compliance with Form 8882.A new school year brings new opportunities. This edition of "Commerce Meets Classroom" revisits last year’s education “wish list” and offers fresh priorities—from high school redesign to accurate assessments and accountability—to help districts and states better prepare students for the future.In this edition of “Commerce Meets Classroom,” we examine how career-connected learning is helping schools and employers meet a shared challenge: preparing students for real-world success.This edition of “Commerce Meets Classroom” emphasizes the importance of summer learning programs and offers ways business leaders can support summer learning to improve academic outcomes for students.Introducing “Common Threads,” a new series exploring how childcare connects to the issues that shape our lives – from work and family to national security. In this first article, early childhood education expert Sasha S. Nicholas, alongside Hiring Our Heroes’ Meredith Lozar, outlines the common thread between childcare and the military.Explore our curated list of childcare resources for military families.The childcare coverage gap challenging economic growth.This edition of “Commerce Meets Classroom” examines recent education scorecard findings and outlines how business leaders can transform these insights into effective solutions for improving student achievement.Meet our eleventh cohort of the Business Leads Fellowship Program, our premier education and workforce fellowship, representing 23 states, and joining an elite network of champions.