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

UPDATE – 2/3/26

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: The House of Representatives voted this afternoon, 217–214, to approve five full-year spending bills, including funding for child care and early learning as part of Labor–Health and Human Services. This ends the partial government shutdown, and the package now heads to the White House for the President’s signature.

The sixth spending bill, which funds the Department of Homeland Security, extends that funding through February 13, allowing lawmakers two weeks to continue negotiations over immigration enforcement reform. 

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).

Child care and early learning programs are foundational to the health and wellbeing of our nation, strengthening families, young children, and economy. At a time when affordability remains a top concern for families, programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Head Start, and Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5) are critical to helping families access quality, affordable care and early learning opportunities for their young children.

Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund, released the following statement welcoming the increased funding 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)