Early Head Start (for infants and toddlers), Head Start (for preschoolers) and the Child Care and Development Block Grant all play a critical role in helping children learn and their families work.

But today these programs only have the capacity to reach 2.5 million at-risk young children, just one-third of those eligible and in need of services.

The Early Learning Challenge helps states build more efficient early learning systems that will increase access to quality early education for the at-risk children who need it most. Yet high state demand outstrips available resources.

Learn more about the Early Learning Challenge.

Early childhood education is one of the most cost-effective public investments our nation can make, particularly during a budget crisis. Short-term costs are more than offset by near-term and long-term returns, including lower special education referrals, less remediation and grade retention, better health outcomes, lower crime, and increased family self-sufficiency and productivity.

Funding for these core programs should be sustained and expanded in FY13. Essential investments in Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant will ensure that nearly 300,000 at-risk children continue to receive services, while allowing for quality improvements and increased access. When paired with continued support of the Early Learning Challenge competition for states, these investments will reduce costs in education, health and social services in the future. 

Read the FY13 recommendations FFYF submitted to House and Senate appropriators