STATEMENT: FFYF on Safeguarding Integrity of Child Care Funding

The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling about the urgent need to ensure that federal child care resources continue to reach eligible families with young children, while maintaining active oversight and accountability.

“Federal child care programs enable millions of parents in every state and Congressional district to access and afford quality child care. They support family stability, promote healthy child development, and strengthen the broader economy. These funds are essential to the nation’s well-being, allowing parents to work while ensuring their children are cared for and safe.

“Fraud is unacceptable, especially as it can deprive eligible families who are anxiously stuck on waiting lists from accessing the care they rely on. Every federal child care dollar must be used properly and effectively to support hard-working families as it is intended. At the same time, responses to problems must be targeted while still ensuring families and children have the support they need. Broad disruptions to child care are harmful to the families, communities and children who rely on these resources.

“We urge leaders to act with urgency to ensure CCDF funding continues to be disbursed without further disruption. We also call on Congress to protect and prioritize child care investments during the appropriations process and continue building on the meaningful, bipartisan progress that has strengthened families, supported young children, and helped working parents across the country.”