Press Releases & Statements
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JOINT STATEMENT: National Organizations on Federal Child Care Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal state partnership that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families with young children to afford …
STATEMENT: FFYF on Safeguarding Integrity of Child Care Funding
The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling about the urgent need to ensure that federal child care resources continue to reach eligible families …
Statement: National Defense Authorization Act Includes Critical Child Care Support for Military Families
Today, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, taking an important step toward addressing the critical child care needs of military families. Nearly 40% of service members have children, many …
STATEMENT: FFYF on the End of the Federal Shutdown and What Comes Next
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The longest federal shutdown in United States history ended last night, with Congress passing a spending package to fund the government through January 30. The following is …
STATEMENT: First Five Years Fund on Senate Deal to Reopen the Federal Government
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the Senate took a step forward in ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. The 60-40 vote paves the way to fund most …
STATEMENT: Protecting Children In A Time of Uncertainty
The first few years of life set the foundation for children’s health, learning, and behavior. During this crucial birth-to-five period, a child’s brain is especially adaptable—but also vulnerable. Repeated exposure …
JOINT STATEMENT: Groups Call on Congress to Protect Head Start, End the Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Families with young children are feeling the pain of the federal shutdown, and without immediate Congressional action, tens of thousands of children could lose access to Head …
STATEMENT: Protect Head Start. End the Shutdown.
As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, families are facing growing uncertainty and financial pressure. We have a clear message to Congress: America’s families need Head Start. End …
STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on House Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
On September 2, 2025 the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its FY2026 funding bill, including federal funding for child care and …
STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Senate Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act to establish proposed funding levels for child care and …
FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Child Care for Working Families Act Introduction
WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) re-introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWFA), comprehensive legislation that would address access, affordability, …
FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Child Care Tax Enhancements in the Final Reconciliation Package
Final passage of the 2025 reconciliation bill contains updates to tax credits which will help make child care more affordable for more working families with young children including: The following …
