Early education and child care centers both large and small are facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. At least 20 states have ordered child care closures or modified regulations to protect children and child care workers from coronavirus. Many of these centers, with shrinking enrollments or a lack of income altogether, may not survive without additional federal and state support. State boards of education have a role to play in advocating for support of child care providers during this difficult time and ensuring the continuity of high-quality early care and education after the crisis subsides, says NASBE Director of Early Learning Winona Hao in a new policy update.