A single parent with two children needs an income of nearly $62,000 in Massachusetts just to get by, according to a new study, the 2010 Massachusetts Economic Independence Index by the Crittenton Women’s Union. The major contributing factor to the higher cost of living is child care.

Rep Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) wrote a letter to The Enfield Press following a joint informational forum held between two committees she is a member of -- the Education and Human Services committees.

Young children learn a lot through imaginary play.

In the Race to the Top, Education Secretary Arne Duncan may be preparing to name the finalists for the first round as early as this week.

What looks like playtime to some is actually a sign of a high-quality preschool.

Research shows that the earliest years of life are the most critical in determining future earnings

Teachers, staff and administrators of the Cartersville school system and Cartersville Primary School visited students at Cartersville City Schools' Kids and Company Community Pre-K Center and read to them. But they did it with a bit of their own flair, in the form of feather boas, hats and accessories. By sending staff from the primary school, where many of the pre-K students will go in the fall, helps them prepare for Kindergarten.

The Waterbury Republican-American writes about the efforts being made to get the Governor's Early Education Cabinet up and running. (Note: abridged version posted)

President Obama is the first president in decades to pay close attention to the need for quality, affordable child care.

Investment in early education is key, said one economic development consultant, if the United States wants to become an intellectual global leader.