Beyond Policy: How 2026 Could Reshape the Future of Early Childhood

Early childhood experts say 2026 could be a pivotal year for the sector, as pandemic relief funds have dried up and states now face difficult budget decisions around child care and early learning. According to EdSurge, rising costs and tightening state budgets risk widening inequities unless states increase their investments. National data show a child care access gap of roughly 28%, leaving an estimated 4.2 million children without nearby care.

Several states have already begun expanding support – New Mexico has implemented universal free child care and is seeking additional funding to strengthen that commitment, Maryland and Massachusetts are increasing subsidies and early learning investments, while Illinois is boosting preschool seats and proposing a new early childhood department to streamline services. These efforts reflect a broader trend of states attempting to fill gaps left by stagnant federal funding and build more affordable, accessible systems for families.

The pressure extends beyond policy—it’s felt daily in classrooms, family budgets, and child care programs working to stay open. Stanford’s RAPID Survey Project found that more than 58% of child care providers surveyed in 2025 reported experiencing hunger, highlighting the severe financial strain on the workforce and the urgent need for support.

Beyond immediate challenges, this moment is influencing workforce stability, child development outcomes, and families’ ability to fully participate in the economy. This serves as a rare opportunity to build momentum and advance long-needed reforms that could strengthen the entire early childhood ecosystem.