For a child, the first five years last forever.
POLLING: Rural Voters on Child Care and Head Start
Rural Parents have been hit particularly hard by child care challenges, with a significant number saying they’re having trouble finding work, are cutting back on basic necessities, and are putting off growing their families due to a lack of affordable options that meet their family’s needs. In a new poll from First Five Years Fund, Rural Americans say money is tight, and child care is a significant part of that burden.
ABCS of Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding Streams
Every year, millions of children who range in age from birth through five benefit from an array of federal child care and early learning care programs. While there are different early learning settings and certain programs have distinct requirements, together they form a mixed-delivery system that strives to support the care, education, and healthy development of children, prioritizing children from low-income families, parental choice, and children’s individual needs.
Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets
FFYF’s State Fact Sheets from 50 states and Washington, D.C. show how federal investments in child care support working parents, children, and the economy. Federal funding and programs benefit families nationwide and serve as the foundation for America’s child care and early learning system.
Latest News
& Resources
STATE OF PLAY: Federal Shutdown and Child Care/Early Learning Programs
UPDATE – Shutdown, Week 3 Posted: 10/14 Status Update Escalating uncertainty and concern. What We’re Watching UPDATE – Shutdown, Week 2 Posted: 10/9/25 Status Update Watchful, with increasing concern. What …
Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F): Overview
The Employer-Provided Child Care Credit, also known as 45F, is one way to address the needs of both working parents and employers. Under 45F, employers receive a tax credit for …
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP): Overview
Through flexible spending accounts, the DCAP exclusion gives parents flexibility to choose the type of care that best suits their needs — whether that’s a licensed child care center, home-based …
