Nashville's Catalyst and Champion for Affordable & High-quality Early Learning

The Nashville Early Education Coalition's 2026 Policy Blueprint outlines a framework for strengthening Nashville's early childhood education system through three core priorities: expanding childcare access, elevating early educators, and driving economic growth through child care.

This white paper analyzes financial data from 11 Nashville early childhood education centers that serve primarily low-income families. The report highlights the reality that the tuition and state subsidies that these centers receive does not cover the true cost of high-quality education and care.

This white paper explains the different types of funding available, demonstrates how to braid multiple funding sources, and provides guidance on assembling a project team to successfully navigate complex renovation or expansion projects.

This white paper shares findings from a two-year childcare stabilization effort, highlighting the financial realities faced by organizations serving low-income families in Davidson County. With data from 12 community-based providers, it outlines the persistent gap between the cost of quality care and the revenue these centers can generate, as well as the challenges of recruiting and retaining early educators. The report makes the case for sustained public investment as essential to ensuring access to affordable, high-quality early learning for all families- and a stronger future for Nashville.

This policy brief shares findings from the Davidson County Child Care Landscape Study, highlighting a disparity between young children and licensed child care slots in Nashville, especially in underserved areas. It emphasizes the need for accurate data on child care availability and provider capacity to guide policy solutions that enhance access and equity for families.

The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of these policy recommendations, which can inform efforts to expand high-quality child care options for families in Nashville/Davidson County.