New Early Learning Challenge Fund Legislation Introduced
U.S. Representative George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, introduced on July 15 the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which includes the Early Learning Challenge Fund. This new competitive state grant program will be available for states to improve their systems of early childhood education for children birth to five, with the goal of increasing the number of low income and disadvantaged children infants, toddlers, preschoolers in high quality programs. Stay tuned for further updates.

UFT Home Daycare Providers Win Fight for Higher Wages
The New York City Administration for Children's Services announced on May 14 that it has agreed to pay home daycare providers the same market rate that providers in the rest of the state have received since October 2007.

Worthy Wage Day 2009
The AFT marked Worthy Wage Day, held each year on May 1, with a variety of activities to recognize and honor the hard work of early childhood educators and staff, and to draw attention to their low wages and minimal benefits.

Unite To Fight!
Early childhood educators from across the country have come together to show their unity and support in the AFT's "Fight for America's Future" campaign. On Feb. 10, early childhood educators joined together and wore blue as part of AFT's blue day to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Pictured here are members from United Child Care Educators, AFT Local 6361. More...