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.
FFYF Briefing Room: Safeguarding Access to Affordable Child Care
The federal child care program already includes strong safeguards. Any additional oversight or necessary corrective action should be swift, targeted, and proportional, while ensuring that eligible families and children continue to receive the support they need.
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.
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HEARING: House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearing Highlights Importance of Child Care for Employers, Families, and Our Economy
The House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing on January 13, 2026 to highlight the role employers can play in supporting access …
The Friday Five: The Latest Child Care and Early Learning News
The child care and early learning news you don’t want to miss. Check here for updates every Friday for the latest information you need to know. January 16 This was …
WEBINAR: Child Care and Early Learning Funding in 2026
Increased attention on child care and early learning this month means increased outreach from advocates is needed. This is a critical moment to remind lawmakers of the importance of child …
