Look to Philadelphia for smart ways to invest new early learning funds | Opinion

President Joe Biden’s American Families Plan, now being debated in Congress, proposes $225 billion to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care and $200 billion to expand preschool that prepares 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. These investments would represent historic commitments to America’s present and future. Philadelphia has models in place that can show the country effective ways to use any new funds.

The president is right to focus on the quality, affordability, and availability of early learning programs. This is a “win-win” for our country: high-quality programs educate the next generation for success and create opportunities for adults in the workforce. These opportunities are sorely needed as we rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19 and chronic underinvestment in supporting children and families.