2021 was a momentous year for early childhood care & education. The field suffered blow after blow from COVID and then a knock-on staffing crisis; received nearly $50 billion in rescue funds to temporarily patch the gaping leaks; and is ending the year on the precipice of receiving enough public funds through the Build Back Better Act to finally become a stable and healthy sector.

It feels bizarre to be writing these words, but the U.S. stands on the verge of a real early learning system.

While the U.S. is busy debating whether or not to finally invest in our failing child care system, Canada is busy doing it.

Welcome to the first edition of my new monthly column, “Elliot’s Provocations.” The goal of this column is to unpack...