FY27 Early Learning and Child Care ‘Dear Colleague’ Letters

The annual appropriations process is an important time for lawmakers to determine their priorities for the next fiscal year. Congress uses this process to allocate funding for federal programs, activities and priorities. For the past several years, amid competing priorities and limited funds, federal early learning and care programs have seen bipartisan support through the annual Congressional appropriations process.

On Capitol Hill, “Dear Colleague” letters are a key way for lawmakers to convey and generate support for these programs among their colleagues. Lawmakers collaborate to show appropriators the breadth and depth of support on Capitol Hill, and often make specific requests related to program funding levels.

Here are the various Dear Colleague letters that are currently being circulated related to the federal early learning and care programs:

House

• House Democratic Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Head Start in FY2027
  • Led by Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 25th
  • Staff contact: David.Seyferth@mail.house.gov
• House Republican Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Head Start in FY2027
  • Led by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 26th
  • Staff contact: Baruch.Humble@mail.house.gov
• House Democratic Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for CCDBG in FY2027
  • Led by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
  • Link to sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 20th
  • Staff contact: Emily.Hopkins@mail.house.gov
• House Republican Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for CCDBG in FY2027
  • Led by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 25th
  • Staff contact: Cody.Rowe@mail.house.gov
• House Democratic Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for CCAMPIS in FY2027
  • Led by  Representative Bill Foster (D-IL)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 25^th
  • Staff contact: Caitlin.Fong@mail.house.gov
• House Bipartisan Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5) in FY2027
  • Led by Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: March 25th
  • Staff contact: Eyole.Mbongo@mail.house.gov

Senate

• Senate Democratic Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Child Care and Early Learning Programs in FY2027
  • Led by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
  • Link to Sign
  • Deadline to Sign: April 20th
  • Staff contact: Ben_Strand@hirono.senate.gov

Learn more:

• FY27 Community Letter
• FY27 Appropriations Capsule Collection