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Database Early Childhood Legislation Database

Updated June 02, 2025
Related Topic: Human Services

This database covers topics related to child care, home visiting, prekindergarten, early childhood workforce development, quality standards and systems and governance. It includes legislation from 2019 to present and is updated weekly as legislation is identified by NCSL staff.

  • Years Tracked: 2019-present
  • Update Frequency: Weekly
  • Legislation Included: All introduced

Topic Descriptions

User Guidance

For faster performance, please use the fields below to filter your results. If you select nothing, the default search will pick up all topics and states in the most recent session year available. The full text of bills is available by clicking on the bill number.

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Topic Descriptions

Child Care Subsidy & Quality

Includes legislation relating to child care regulations, standards, background checks, health and safety, quality improvement supports, penalties and subsidies.

Early Childhood Financing

Includes legislation relating to pay-for-success, tax credits, grant funding and financing mechanisms.

Early Childhood Governance

Includes legislation related to system coordination, collaboration and oversight and new departments, divisions, advisory councils, boards and study committees.

Equity in Early Childhood

Includes legislation related to promoting racial equity as of the 2021 legislative session.

Home Visiting

Includes legislation about home visiting programs, services and parent education and involvement.

Other

Includes early childhood legislation not covered by other topics including, but not limited to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), two-generation strategies, brain development, COVID-19 and trauma-informed care.

Prekindergarten and School Readiness

Includes legislation on early childhood education programs, school readiness, preschool, assessments and universal preschool.

Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers

Includes legislation relating to prenatal screening, maternal health, safety, early intervention, child well-being and paid parental leave.

Teachers and Workforce

Includes legislation on teacher training requirements, certification, compensation, professional development and workforce matters.

Related Resources

Child Tax Credit Overview

The federal government and twelve states offer child tax credits to enhance the economic security of families with children, particularly those in lower- to middle-income brackets.
Human Services
Map

Earned Income Tax Credit Overview

Overview of state and federal earned income tax credits, including recently enacted legislation. EITC is a tax credit that reduces the amount of federal income tax owed and is refundable if the tax filer's credit is larger than their tax liability.
Fiscal Human Services
Map
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