Where do we go from here? Advancing a Future Where Families with Young Children are at the Center of Public Policy

On July 4, President Trump signed One Big Beautiful Bill into law, which slashes multiple vital programs that serve children and families, including health care and child nutrition programs. ECFC, Alliance for Early Success, and the Prenatal to 5 (P-5) Network are collaborating to host a funder discussion series to: illuminate the consequences of reconciliation bill and other proposed/enacted cuts/changes affecting P-5 population (both direct and projected indirect impacts); glean lessons learned from the fight; and learn about grantee efforts to advance wins for children and families. Funders will gain a better understand of policy context, topline priorities and the importance of advancing federal and state work in advancing these priorities.

The Budget Reconciliation Act’s Impact on Young Children and Families Series

Session 3: December 4, 2025

Where Do We Go From Here? Advancing a Future Where Families with Young Children are at the Center of Public Policy

ECFC, the Alliance for Early Success, and members of the Prenatal to Five Network co-hosted this third discussion in our post-reconciliation series on the path forward for early childhood policy and advancing a future where public policy centers the needs and voices of families with young children.

Advancing meaningful, lasting change requires aligned strategies and investments across the many issues and fields that touch families’ lives. This session will help funders understand where the early childhood field is heading and how philanthropy can play a catalytic role.

Our discussion focused on:

• Where the early childhood field is coalescing around a coordinated, comprehensive strategy led by the Prenatal to Five (P-5) Network, including work to design a compelling future-facing agenda
• Pain points and progress from the past year that can help inform where funders can have the greatest impact in their communities in 2026.
• How and where philanthropy is supporting power-building and movement-building across early childhood and intersecting areas.

Speakers:

• Melissa Boteach, Chief Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE
• Marie Hocker, Lead Program Manager, Imaginable Futures
• Melissa Merrick, President and CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America