The Impact of PDG B-5 Grants: State Progress and What’s at Risk

The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program is a $315 million competitive federal grant that supports states by building upon existing federal, state, and local early learning and care investments.

PDG B-5, which has a strong history of bipartisan support, helps states to strengthen, align, and expand early learning systems. Since 2018, 49 states, Washington, DC, and four territories have participated, and most have applied for multiple rounds of funding. In each award cycle, demand often exceeds available funding, with most eligible states applying but not all receiving awards. This sustained interest demonstrates both the program’s value and the ongoing need for early childhood system-building investments. Future federal investment in PDG B-5 is essential for states and territories to build and maintain effective mixed-delivery early childhood systems that expand access to quality early learning and care for children and families. 

In the fall of 2025, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) surveyed states about their recent experience with PDG B-5. Our full report and findings from NIEER’s survey are below.

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