#WithinReach is the campaign to put high-quality child care and pre-k within reach for working families. The campaign will create momentum and elevate the need for a national public solution for child care and pre-k as a major priority in the 2016 election through public education, strategic messaging, and advocacy resources for national and state-based partners.

The #WithinReach campaign unites national and state leaders, advocates, and the general public in a coordinated effort to make real progress on policies that will advance economic opportunities and support for working families, and ensure the youngest Americans are equipped with the foundation they need to succeed in the future.

The Challenge

High-quality early education prepares children for school, gives families a fair shot to make ends meet and get ahead, and strengthens our economy. A strong economy starts with strong families. But low-quality and skyrocketing costs are putting child care and pre-k out of reach for millions of hard-working Americans, forcing many families to choose between their paycheck and their child’s care. An overwhelming majority of Americans agree—it’s time to put high-quality child care and pre-k within reach for working families.

For Kids

• Access to high-quality child care and pre-k is a game-changer for children, positively impacting the rest of their lives.
• Quality education early on is critical–90% of brain development happens before age 5.
• Children who participate in high-quality pre-k programs gain up to one year of additional learning.

For Families

• Working families are being financially squeezed and need access to child care and pre-k to make ends meet.
• From 2000 to 2012, child care costs for a typical middle class family grew by 30%.
• In all 50 states, child care costs more than median rent. In 31 states and DC, child care costs more than college.
• 65% of American children under age 6 have both parents in the workforce and 64% of U.S. women with children under age 6 are in the workforce.

For the Economy

• Early education strengthens the economy. Every $1 dollar invested in early childhood education delivers $7 in public benefits.
• Equal access to high-quality child care and pre-k would increase GDP by $551 billion.
• Quality care and adequate wages for child care workers go hand in hand—we can’t have one without the other.

This is an everyone issue. Affordable, high-quality early education levels the playing field and boosts the economy, benefiting everyone. High-quality child care and pre-k are crucial for kids, families, and the economy, and it’s time to acknowledge just how out of reach they are.