This week during Children's week at the Capitol, we are hosting a KidCast — an interview booth where children will ask legislators and state leaders about their trajectories and how they support children and families. It’s a powerful reminder that the policies we debate today directly shape the future these young voices will inherit.
In that spirit, we have a meaningful opportunity to make smart, forward-thinking investments in our youngest learners — strengthening our families, our future workforce, and our economy in the process.
At The Children's Movement of Florida, we are working to make Florida the family-friendliest state in the nation. That starts with strengthening access to high-quality early learning for every child — particularly through policies that support parents and caregivers who are working hard to give their kids the best possible start in life.
Early education is widely recognized as one of the most impactful investments we can make — with a 5:1 return, according to the Florida Chamber. That’s exactly why we’re urging lawmakers to reset the eligibility for Florida’s School Readiness Program, which provides early learning tuition assistance for families who are working or enrolled in school. Right now, far too many working parents earn just above the income threshold and are cut off from help — even as childcare costs remain completely out of reach for many. A two-parent household with both adults earning minimum wage is considered too wealthy to qualify. That math simply doesn’t add up for Florida’s working families, and we know we can do better.
Updating School Readiness eligibility — as SB 1382 and HB 859 propose this session — would help more families remain in the workforce while ensuring their children are learning and growing in safe, nurturing, and high-quality early learning environments. It’s a commonsense, cost-effective step toward greater economic mobility and stronger outcomes for Florida’s kids, families, and communities.
Each year, Florida loses an estimated $5.4 billion in economic value due to lack of access to affordable childcare. Communities like Tallahassee — home to both young families and the decision-makers shaping state policy — have a real chance to lead by example and demonstrate how early learning investments pay off for everyone involved, both now and in the future.
We also believe deeply in strengthening the early learning workforce — the dedicated teachers and caregivers who help our children build foundational skills like planning, cooperation, and communication. Increasing access to professional development opportunities and improving compensation for early educators will help us retain and support talent in this incredibly important field.
Our Bosses for Babies initiative brings this vision to life and spotlights business leaders who are stepping up to support working parents. Companies that offer flexible work options, paid leave, and childcare assistance empower their employees to succeed — and in turn, boost productivity, loyalty, and retention. Business and policy leaders alike have an important role to play in making Florida a place where families and children can truly thrive.
Early learning impacts everything. It shapes how prepared our children are for school, how supported our workforce is, and how strong our communities will be in the decades to come. Now is the time to act — and to build a Florida where every child can succeed, starting at the very beginning.