California’s proposed budget stops short of funding new subsidized child-care slots, potentially leaving thousands of families without affordable care options. Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget decision could slow progress on a longstanding need for working parents.

In a surprising turn, the Trump administration has decided to maintain funding for Head Start, ensuring that vital early education services for the nation’s poorest preschoolers will continue. The reversal from an earlier proposal to eliminate the program’s funding brings relief to communities relying on its services.