For a child, the first five years last forever.
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.
National Poll Shows Strong Bipartisan Support for Federal Child Care Programs
New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.
Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets
FFYF’s State Fact Sheets explore how federal investments in child care and early learning impact working parents, young children, and the broader economy across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Latest News
& Resources
Child Care Takes Center Stage in 2026 State of the State Addresses as Governors Focus on Affordability and Economic Stability
The First Five Years Fund annual review of governors who delivered State of the State addresses before February 17, 2026, revealed a striking consensus: 72% used their remarks to address …
119th Congress: Bipartisan Child Care Legislation in the House and Senate
Reliable, affordable child care is essential for hardworking families, especially as two-thirds of all children under the age of five need care because all available parents are working. Yet, high …
‘After Hours Child Care Act’ aims to help more working parents
Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), along with Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), have introduced the After Hours Child Care Act, which would improve access …
