For a child, the first five years last forever.
Hot on the Hill: FY26 Appropriations
Happening now! Congress has until January 30 to pass new legislation to pass full-year spending bills for FY26, including funding for child care and early learning programs. Learn what’s at stake and how you can take action.
POLLING: Rural Voters on Child Care and Head Start
Rural Parents have been hit particularly hard by child care challenges, with a significant number saying they’re having trouble finding work, are cutting back on basic necessities, and are putting off growing their families due to a lack of affordable options that meet their family’s needs. In a new poll from First Five Years Fund, Rural Americans say money is tight, and child care is a significant part of that burden.
Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets
FFYF’s State Fact Sheets from 50 states and Washington, D.C. show how federal investments in child care support working parents, children, and the economy. Federal funding and programs benefit families nationwide and serve as the foundation for America’s child care and early learning system.
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FFYF Capsule Collection: Appropriations and Child Care
What Are Appropriations? In A Nutshell EvEven with growing support from states, businesses and philanthropy, federal funding makes up the majority of investment in child care and early learning in …
STATE OF PLAY: Appropriations
Update – 11/17/25 On November 12, Congress ended the federal shutdown after 43 days by passing a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through January 30. Next up: Congress will …
The Friday Five: The Latest Child Care and Early Learning News
Friday, November 14 This week saw the longest shutdown in U.S. history come to a close. The shutdown demonstrated the fragile state of funding for child care and early learning …
