TOOLKIT: FY26 Appropriations

The Ask 

Congress: Please act quickly to provide increased stability for families, children, and programs by passing the Senate FY26 Labor-H appropriations bill that prioritizes funding for child care and early learning programs for a full year. 

Step 1: Get The Facts 

On November 12, Congress ended the federal shutdown by passing a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through January 30. They have until then to pass full-year spending bills for FY26. 

This includes the Labor-HHS-Education bill proposed by Senate Appropriators in July, with increased funding for child care and early learning programs including:  

• CCDBG: $8.83 billion – an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025.  
• Head Start: $12.36 billion, an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025.  
• PDG B-5: $315 million, level with FY25. 

These programs have a long history of bipartisan support and are vital to helping families find and afford the quality care their children need to learn and thrive.  

Step 2: Take Action 

Use the tools on the FFYF Action Center to email, call, or use social media to contact Congress and urge them to pass the FY26 Labor-H bill that prioritizes funding for child care and early learning for a full year.   

For Example:  

@chriscoons: I am urging you to pass a FY26 Labor-HHS-Education bill to protect and strengthen child care and early learning programs like Head Start and CCDBG for families nationwide. 

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Step 3: Spread The Word 

Congressional offices receive hundreds of messages from constituents every single day, so to be effective, we need as many voices as possible. Please ask partners, followers, network members and others and urge them to take action too!  

Reach out to your people through newsletters, webinars, and meetings. (Or share this kit on social media – here is a graphic that can help!) 

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