STATEMENT: FY2026 Funding Bill Boosts Federal Investment in Child Care and Early Learning

This evening, the Senate passed the FY2026 appropriations package that includes funding increases for federal early learning and care programs. The proposal now returns to the House of Representatives, which could pass the package as soon as Monday to end the partial government shutdown that begins 1/30/26 at midnight.

The FY2026 package includes the following spending levels for key programs:

• $8.831 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, an increase of $85 million;
• $12.357 billion for Head Start, an increase of $85 million; and
• $315 million for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5).

Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund, released the following statement welcoming the funding certainty for child care and early learning programs:

“We are pleased to see Congress reach agreement on legislation that will provide increased funding for child care and early learning programs for FY26. These investments ensure families and providers can plan ahead, maintain programs, and give children the consistent, high-quality care they need.

“We are grateful to House and Senate lead Appropriators for recognizing the importance of increased federal investments in child care and early learning, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Early Head Start and Head Start. These programs help families afford quality child care, support children’s healthy development, and allow parents to remain in the workforce. We are also pleased to see continued funding for the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5), which plays an important role in helping states improve the efficiency and oversight of child care programs.

“Federal child care and early learning programs have a proven track record in strengthening families, fostering child development, and fueling our economy. We urge Congress to continue this bipartisan momentum and support these vital early learning investments.”

DownloadKey Early Learning Programs FY26 (238.82 kB)