Save the Children Applauds SEED Act Being Signed Into Law to Support Early Educators

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 18, 2026) — Save the Children applauds the Supporting Early Educators' Deduction (SEED) Act being signed into law. The new law grants early childhood educators the opportunity to finally claim the same federal tax deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses that K-12 educators have had access to since 2002.  

“The earliest years of a child’s life are among the most important for their development, and early childhood educators play a critical role during those years. Yet too often, these educators reach into their own pockets to buy the books, supplies, and materials they need to support the children in their classrooms,” said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children. “We are pleased to see the bipartisan SEED Act signed into law, giving early childhood educators access to the same tax deduction already available to K-12 teachers. This is a meaningful and long-overdue recognition of the educators who care for and teach our youngest children, and an investment in children and their futures.”

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) co-led the legislation in the House, and Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Susan Collins (R-ME) led companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Save the Children supported the SEED Act by working with partners to provide information and firsthand perspectives from early childhood educators about the costs they routinely shoulder to support children's learning and development. The legislation is part of Save the Children's broader advocacy for a strong early childhood system, including better compensation and career pathways for educators, greater access to quality, affordable early learning and tax policies that help families give children the best possible start.

The SEED Act allows early childhood educators to claim a deduction of up to $350 for classroom supplies, educational materials, and professional development opportunities regardless of whether they itemize their deductions. This tax change is a victory for early childhood educators who invest in our children's futures through the power of teaching.