STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Senate Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs

WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act to establish proposed funding levels for child care and early learning programs (among others) for FY2026. 

Included in the bill, led by Senators Murray, Collins, Baldwin, and Capito:

• Senate Appropriations set the overall Labor-HHS spending number at  $197 billion, which includes a $170 million increase for early learning programs over fiscal year 2025. 
• Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG): $8.83 billion – an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025. 
• Head Start and Early Head Start: $12.36 billion, an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025. 
• Preschool Development Birth Through Five (PDG B-5): $315 million, level with FY25.

The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling about the bill.

“Parents across our country strive to provide the best care for their children and, for millions of families juggling work and family responsibilities, being able to find and afford quality child care is essential. This funding bill reflects a meaningful commitment to child care and early learning, which are essential supports for both our economy and our communities. By prioritizing our nation’s existing child care programs, it helps address the real, everyday challenges that working families across America face.”

“We are especially thankful for the bipartisan leadership of Senators Murray, Collins, Murray, Baldwin, and Capito in coming together to support our federal early learning and care programs. Investments in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Head Start are central to helping more parents find and afford the care they need while making sure their children have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.”

We are also pleased to see continued funding for the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. This is great news for states that rely on these funds to strengthen and streamline their early childhood systems.

”We understand there’s a long road ahead, and as the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill moves through Congress, we look forward to working with lawmakers in the House to keep this momentum going.“

###

To speak to Sarah Rittling or another child care and early learning expert, please contact Jane Fillion at jfillion@ffyf.org. 

About First Five Years Fund

The first five years last forever. At First Five Years Fund, we work to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for early learning and child care programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide. Learn more at www.ffyf.org.