Business Wire·Oct 22, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

KinderCare’s Champions Calls for Greater Access to Affordable After-School Care as Family Demand Grows

KinderCare's Champions program partners with the Afterschool Alliance's Lights On Afterschool initiative to advocate for sustainable child care funding & expanded access to quality before- & after-school care.
A 2026 Parent Confidence Index reveals that 81% of U.S. parents constantly worry about child care gaps between school hours & work schedules.
Champions operates on school grounds at over 1,100 elementary & middle schools nationwide to provide care before school, after dismissal, & during breaks.
Federal funding through the Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF) serves approximately 600,000 school-age children monthly, representing about 44% of all CCDF recipients.
Despite federal support, millions of eligible families remain on waitlists, prompting calls for greater investment to ensure more children access affordable care.
Champions programs host Lights On Afterschool events this month to welcome families & officials & demonstrate the role of out-of-school time programs in supporting learning & safety.
Kathryn Czerwinski, a Champions Area Manager in California, received recognition for her leadership in advancing expanded learning opportunities through strong partnerships & professional development.
Champions is offering a free day at participating sites nationwide throughout October to allow families to experience programs firsthand.
KinderCare Learning Companies operates over 2,700 early learning centers & sites across 42 states & the District of Columbia.