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May 11, 2023

A new effort at the U.S. Congress is designed to help working families access affordable housing and child care.

The Build Housing with Care Act would invest $500 million to construct child care centers in affordable housing buildings and cover the costs of retrofitting to help family child care providers operate in housing developments.

Priority will be given to projects that are located in child care deserts or rural communities, including qualified Head Start providers and providers primarily serving low-income children.


January 18, 2023

A change — specifically, a changing table — might be coming to the House of Representatives. Yes, it took 234 years for male lawmakers to pursue accommodations for their own babies. At least the shambolic start of the 118th Congress, during which some members brought their little ones to the House floor only to discover the House isn't exactly family-friendly, might turn out to accomplish something.


March 16, 2022

SAN ANTONIO - "I think we've been in a period during this pandemic - people realize the value of a strong education early on," said Congressman Joaquin Castro. He has spearheaded the effort to make pre-k and child care programs more accessible to families across the nation.


May 1, 2021

Megan McMillan has known for a while how important quality child care is, and how difficult it can be to find in the Portland area. The pandemic also taught moms like her how hard it is to go without it.

"After enduring attempts to work from home full-time, with two kids under five, I can tell you with no doubt that child care is the work that makes all other work possible," McMillan said.


September 14, 2016
For centuries now, people from around the world have come to the United States seeking opportunity and prosperity. While folks find a variety of ways to achieve their goals here, earning an education is the surest path to success. College degrees open doors to steady careers, higher incomes and financial security.

August 12, 2016
Childhood is a precious gift. It's a time of constant growth, and every child's potential is limitless. Unfortunately, there are many children in underserved communities across the country, where they face an increased risk of that potential being cut short by limited opportunities. Early childhood education is essential for success later in life, and every state needs solid resources to reinforce the benefits of schooling.

May 26, 2016
Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Melrose, co-chaired the launch of Congress’ first-ever Pre-K Caucus on April 14. Joined by caucus co-chairs, Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Richard Hanna (R-New York) and Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), the group aims to organize members of Congress around the issue of early childhood education and promote policies to expand high-quality pre-K access in the United States. The members were joined by the Public Broadcasting Service and Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster.

May 26, 2016
Funding early childhood education should not be a partisan issue. It’s an investment in the future of the next generation and a crucial component in ensuring the economic growth of our country.

May 8, 2016
With Elmo and Cookie Monster in his corner, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro is hoping to boost support for pre-kindergarten programs across the country with a bipartisan caucus that draws on San Antonio’s experiences with childhood learning.

April 15, 2016
Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Republican Reps. Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Richard Hanna of New York hosted an event Thursday launching what they called the first Congressional Pre-K Caucus.