For a child, the first five years last forever.
FEATURED PRIORITES
Appropriations FY2027
For FY2027, Congress should protect, prioritize, and expand these investments in programs including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Early Head Start/Head Start, and the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5).
Child Care is an Affordability Issue
“Affordability anxiety” is particularly high for parents of young children, where child care consistently stands out as one of the most significant and unavoidable expenses.
Modernizing Child Care
Modernizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is essential to ensuring more working families can access the quality, affordable child care care they need.
2026 Early Head Start and Head Start
Head Start has a long history of giving kids a strong start through comprehensive early learning, health, and nutrition services. We are focused on continuing to bolster overall support for this essential program at the federal level.
Affordability and Child Care Take Center Stage at POLITICO Economy Summit
First Five Years Fund joined policymakers, journalists, and economic leaders at POLITICO’s Economy Summit to elevate a message that’s impossible to ignore: child care is central to the affordability conversation, and to the economy.
Capsule Collection: FY2027 Appropriations
Congress is deciding the FY27 appropriations funding for all federal programs that support the care and education of children from birth through age five.
FFYF Briefing Room: Safeguarding Access to Affordable Child Care
The federal child care program has a long history of bipartisan support, with a proven track record in strengthening families, fostering child development, and fueling the economy. This explainer highlights the importance of program accountability and integrity in ensuring eligible families are able to access the care they rely on.
Latest News
& Resources
The Friday Five: The Latest Child Care and Early Learning News
The child care and early learning news you don’t want to miss. Check here for updates every Friday for the latest information you need to know. April 10 Congress may …
FFYF Statement on White House Budget Proposal, FY2027
This morning, the White House released President Trump’s recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2027. The budget includes level funding for Child Care and Development Block Grant …
Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2027
A chart explaining the funding timeline of FY27 funding decisions from the White House and Congress.
