The Challenge We Must Address Too many Tennessee children are missing out on the meals they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Even though hunger touches every county in our state, access to school meals remains inconsistent — and thousands of kids fall through the cracks of the current reduced-price meal system. Across the state:…
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Tell Policymakers: Support Paid Foster-Parent Leave for State Employees
The Challenge We Must Address Tennessee relies on dedicated state employees to serve children and families — including those who step up to foster. Yet today, support for state employees who become foster parents is limited, inconsistent, and often financially burdensome during the critical first weeks of welcoming a child into their home. Across the…
» Read MoreLet Policymakers Know: It’s Time to Invest Big in Child Care
Because of recent changes to the federal federal Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funding formula, our state lost $44.5 million — making Tennessee one of the losers in a federal zero-sum system. Other states gained, but Tennessee families, providers, and businesses are paying the price. View Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) FAQs.. To absorb the cut,…
» Read MoreParents, Be a Loud Voice for YOUR Little Kids!
As parents, you can be the most powerful advocates for your children—and your voice matters now more than ever. Tennessee’s early childhood care and education system shapes the future of our youngest learners, but it requires fine tuning and investments by state govenrment to ensure every child has access to high-quality programs from birth through…
» Read MoreTennessee Early Educators, Take Care of YOU!
School is back in session and we need to talk about something that’s as important as your morning coffee: self-care! We know you’re out there every day, shaping young minds, wiping noses, and pouring into the future leaders of Tennessee. But let’s face it, even superheroes need a break sometimes. So, we’ve put together some…
» Read MoreEncourage a Teacher
With the beginning of another learning-filled school year, we have a mission for you that’s more important than finding the perfect lunchbox or mastering the art of the morning school run. We need your help to sprinkle some much-needed encouragement on our incredible early educators. How, you ask? By writing them a heartfelt letter of…
» Read MoreCheck out TN Primary Election Results!
We urge all Tennessee early care and education advocates to take a close look at the recent primary election results. Knowing who’s running to be your state policymakers is the first step in making your voice heard for children. While elections for state legislators won’t be final until the general election on November 5, a…
» Read MoreTell legislators: Give kids a strong start!
School is back in session! The 2024-2025 TCAP scores revealed some gains, but Tennessee still has 60% of 3rd grade children behind in reading and math. This alarming statistic isn’t just a number—it represents thousands of Tennessee children who may well struggle to succeed for the duration of school and beyond. The key to turning…
» Read MoreDonate to Support TN Kids
Invest in a Tennessee where children get the early care and education they need to power our state’s future. We’re proud to champion quality early childhood education for our great state of Tennessee, and with your help we’re accelerating progress. Your contribution fuels the front lines of the movement. Together, we are making a difference.
» Read MoreTell legislators: Invest in kids!
TCAP scores show that 60% of 3rd grade children are not proficient in reading and math. This alarming statistic isn’t just a number—it represents thousands of children who may well struggle to succeed for the duration of school and beyond. The key to turning this around is ensuring more children get a strong start throughout…
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