About
Us
The Purpose
First Five Action was founded in 2020 to increase awareness of and advocacy for federal investments in early learning and child care.
Child care is essential to the American economy. But for too many families, child care is hard to find and even harder to afford. As a result, family finances grow precarious and children miss out on crucial growth opportunities.
Child care is also a leading concern among employers across almost every sector of our economy. Whether you talk to manufacturers, military leaders, farmers, or small business owners on Main Street, their message is the same: the child care crisis is hurting hiring, retention, and productivity.
First Five Action mobilizes and supports ongoing efforts to ensure all children from birth through age five have equal access to affordable, comprehensive, high-quality care and education.
The Work
First Five Action uses a variety of tools and resources to drive solutions, including:
- Educating Congressional offices on key policies and investments;
- Connecting with campaigns on the importance of early learning and child care issues;
- Working with the media to demonstrate the need for greater federal investment in early learning and childcare.
Child care Matters to Voters
Child care is a fundamental need for millions of American families as they work to provide for their children, contribute to the economy, and build a better future. Yet, in every corner of the country—from rural towns to suburban neighborhoods to urban centers—parents are struggling to find and afford the care that fits their needs
Lawmakers at the federal level have the opportunity to work across the aisle to support child care and early learning nationwide, and voters want Congress and the White House to make it a priority.
61% of Republican voters, 74% of Independent voters, and 86% of Democratic voters agree that “increasing funding for child care and early childhood education programs is an important priority and a good use of tax dollars.”
Meet the First Five Action Board of Directors
Sarah Rittling
First Five Years Fund
President
Diana Rauner
Start Early
Treasurer
Libby Doggett
Libby Doggett Consulting
Kelly King Dibble
Northern Trust Corporation
Kevin Madden
Penta Group
Charlie Joughin
Communications Executive
Cheryl Oldham
Executive Vice President of Human Capital, Bipartisan Policy Center