About
Our Work
- Learn About Our WorkThrough strategic public financing we help communities, states, and Native nations ensure that all children thrive.
- Strategic Public FinancingWe develop strategic public financing plans that sustain investments for kids.
- Sourcing Additional FundingWe help leaders determine which funding options are viable in their context.
- Fiscal MappingWe analyze existing funding sources and coach local leaders on budget data.
- Voter-Approved Children’s FundsWe help communities pursue dedicated public funding for kids at the ballot.
- Cost Analysis and ModelingWe identify the true cost of services to help communities reach their goals.
- Native Children’s Funding ProjectWe help Native nations create sustainable funding for Native children and youth.
Impact
Resources
- View Our Featured ResourcesOur tools and resources help local, state, and Native leaders identify sustainable ways to fund their goals for kids.
  - View Our Resource Library
- Featured Collections
- Featured Resources
Updates
Events

About
Our Work
- Learn About Our WorkThrough strategic public financing we help communities, states, and Native nations ensure that all children thrive.
- Strategic Public FinancingWe develop strategic public financing plans that sustain investments for kids.
- Sourcing Additional FundingWe help leaders determine which funding options are viable in their context.
- Fiscal MappingWe analyze existing funding sources and coach local leaders on budget data.
- Voter-Approved Children’s FundsWe help communities pursue dedicated public funding for kids at the ballot.
- Cost Analysis and ModelingWe identify the true cost of services to help communities reach their goals.
- Native Children’s Funding ProjectWe help Native nations create sustainable funding for Native children and youth.
Impact
Resources
- View Our Featured ResourcesOur tools and resources help local, state, and Native leaders identify sustainable ways to fund their goals for kids.
  - View Our Resource Library
- Featured Collections
- Featured Resources
Updates
Events

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re invested in changing child care for the better—for you, children, families, and your community. You probably have lots of questions too: What is this resource about? What is a cost model? How will a cost model partnership process help me create positive change? You’re in the right place to explore and shape these answers! This resource is designed for providers like you who want to learn the following:

How cost models can help us build sustainable and equitable child care
How to start this important process and pay for it
How to organize with others
The collective actions you can take to be a part of the process

Filed under:

Infants and Toddlers, Early Childhood, Advocates/Intermediaries, Publication, Cost Analysis and Modeling

More Resources

Publication

Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: King County, WA

Best Starts for Kids provides comprehensive support from prenatal development through young adulthood to ensure that every child raised in King County grows up happy, healthy, safe, and thriving.

Publication

Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Denver, CO

Denver Preschool Program is available to all Denver 4-year-olds in their last year of preschool before kindergarten and qualifying 3-year-olds, with priority given to families experiencing financial hardships.

Updates and Events

News

February 11, 2026

States Push for Dedicated Funds for Children and Youth in Response to Federal Funding Challenges

Insights

January 14, 2026

A New Year of Standing Together for Children and Youth

Diverse group of smiling teens having fun

Guest Blog

December 10, 2025

Social Media, Mental Health, and the Role of After-School and Summer Programs