Early Care and Education Consortium

10/06/2026

At ECEC, we're proud to highlight members that are helping shape the future of early learning. This month, we're featuring , a leader in early childhood education that has spent decades supporting children's growth through high-quality learning experiences, dedicated teachers, and strong family partnerships. The Goddard School's commitment to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning continues to make a positive impact on children and families across the country.

Read more about their story, mission, and contributions to the early childhood education community in our latest Provider Spotlight: https://www.ececonsortium.org/provider-spotlight/provider-spotlight-goddard-school/

09/30/2026

What should be on the next governor of Minnesota's child care agenda?

In a recent opinion piece, Chad Dunkley, CEO of New Horizon Academy, shares how Minnesota can better support children, families, early educators, and providers. From strengthening access to creating a more sustainable subsidy system, the article highlights opportunities for state leaders to make meaningful improvements for the communities that rely on child care every day.

We appreciate Chad's leadership in voicing the importance of early childhood education and the policies needed to help communities thrive.

Read More: https://www.twincities.com/2026/09/20/chad-dunkley-minnesotas-next-governor-can-make-childcare-work-better/

“Minnesota businesses already understand something policymakers sometimes overlook: You cannot have a functioning workforce without functioning childcare,” Dunkley writes.

09/24/2026

A major win for early childhood educators: the bipartisan SEED Act is now law!

Early educators often spend their own money on books, learning materials, and classroom supplies. Thanks to the SEED Act, they can now claim the same federal tax deduction available to K-12 teachers, providing long-overdue recognition for the investments they make in young children every day.

This bipartisan achievement reflects what we know to be true: supporting early educators strengthens child care, helps families, and benefits our communities.

Thank you to Susan Collins, Michael Bennet, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Congressman David G. Valadao and Maggie Goodlander who championed this legislation and helped bring it across the finish line.

Learn more:

09/22/2026

A look back at ECEC's first Teacher Fly-In! 🎥
In July, early educators, center directors, and child care leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to share their perspectives with policymakers and advocate for children, families, and the early childhood workforce.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this inaugural event such a success!

09/11/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the franchise owners from ECEC member companies who have been named 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA)!

This prestigious award recognizes leaders who are making a difference through business excellence, community involvement, workforce development, and service. We are proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals and their contributions to children and communities across the country.



Learn more: https://www.franchise.org/2026/09/international-franchise-association-names-2026-franchisees-of-the-year/

All News IFA Press Releases News & Media Posted September 2, 2026 International Franchise Association Names 2026 Franchisees of the Year Share World’s oldest and largest franchising association recognizes 89 individual franchise owners for excellence in business, giving back to their communities, ...

09/08/2026

Congratulations to Rebecca Grovenstein of on being named a 2026 International Franchise Association (IFA) Franchisee of the Year! 🎉

This recognition honors franchise leaders who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurship, community impact, workforce development, and service. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and spotlight the important work being done to support children and working families.

Read more here! https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rebecca-grovenstein-of-lightbridge-academy-named-ifa-franchisee-of-the-year-302867931.html

/PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Rebecca Grovenstein, Lightbridge Academy multi-unit franchisee in Apex & Holly...

09/04/2026

There is no substitute for seeing early childhood education firsthand. Recently, Rep Moira Rader and State Senator Christine Cohen visited a KinderCare Learning Centers center in Guilford, CT, where they connected with educators, explored classrooms and saw how child care providers make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families and communities every day. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to visit KinderCare and witness this important work in action.

09/02/2026

For more than 30 years, Cadence Education has been a dedicated partner to working families, providing an exceptional preschool education and a nurturing environment to thousands of children nationwide. Please see our newest Provider Spotlight highlighting how Cadence works to expand access to educational opportunities for all families and in doing so, supports women in the workforce.

Read more here: https://www.ececonsortium.org/provider-spotlight/provider-spotlight-cadence-education/

08/27/2026

Check out Vox’s latest reporting on child care, What happens when private equity owns your childcare? As discussions around private equity's role in child care continue, this piece provides important context by examining what the evidence actually shows.

The article highlights recent research by Jessica Brown and Chris Herbsthttps://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/PE-Child-Care-1.pdf finding that private equity-backed providers are often larger, more established and more likely to achieve various quality accreditations, with no evidence that private equity ownership leads to lower-quality care, standards, or worse outcomes for children. Be sure to check it out and see how the research compares to some of the common misconceptions surrounding private equity in child care! https://www.vox.com/life/500695/private-equity-child-care-daycare-congress

We’re finally getting some answers on institutional investors and daycare.

08/26/2026

Be sure to check out HINGE Advisors CEO Kathy Ligon’s latest piece on the role of private equity in child care. Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience in early childhood education, Kathy challenges common misconceptions and shares her firsthand perspective on how private equity investment can help strengthen the quality of child care programs. From supporting growth, teacher supports, and operational excellence to helping providers serve more children and families, Kathy argues that responsible investment can be a force for positive change in the industry. Read her article here:

Private equity in childcare draws criticism, but the loudest voices only tell one side. Kathy Ligon shares what she has seen firsthand across 40 years in the industry.