State experts made the case for systems-building work in our nation's capital on January 24. Watch and download materials from the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative Strengthening State Systems: A Closer Look at the Early Learning Challenge Hill briefing here. 

The Early Learning Challenge Collaborative, a partnership between BUILD and the First Five Years Fund, is pleased to release a new report, "Stepping Up to the Challenge: Profiles of the 2011 Early Learning Challenge Grant Applications." Read our overview of highlights from the 37 applications submitted during round one here.

‎Jon Stewart calls Head Start programs “invaluable to kids” in his interview last night with Senator Jim DeMint on The Daily Show. Click here to view the clip in its entirety. 

35 states, DC, and Puerto Rico competed to win a chunk of $500 million to improve education outcomes for our nation's youngest and most vulnerable children. Nine states were selected for round one: California, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Washington. Stay tuned to The Starting Point and @firstfiveyears for updates. 

Looking for a fresh, compelling way to make the case for why early learning matters? Share this new FFYF video! We can even help you add your organization's logo at the end -- just  contact us for more information.

222 business leaders from 34 states sent a message to leaders in Congress: quality federal early learning programs like Head Start, Early Head Start, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge reduce deficits and grow our national economy. Read their letter to Congress.

In an exciting week for FFYF, Executive Director Cornelia Grumman appeared on NBC's Education Nation and the Today Show to speak about the importance of early learning.

The First Five Years Fund is excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook page. Join our online community for up-to-date information and news on quality early childhood education.

Keep your eyes on The Starting Point, where executive director Cornelia Grumman is blogging about new developments in the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge.