STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Proposed FY27 House Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs

On June 4th, the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY2027 funding proposal, including federal investments in child care and early learning programs. The House proposal would provide a $10 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), and a $10 million increase for Early Head Start/Head Start. The proposal would also eliminate funding for the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. 

Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of First Five Years Fund, released the following statement:

“Families across the country are counting on Congress to prioritize child care and early learning and we are pleased to see lawmakers continue to do so. Increased funding proposed for both the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and Head Start in the House FY27 Labor-H Appropriations bill will help ensure these critical programs continue to support these families with access to care. These programs play a foundational role in helping working families afford child care, supporting children’s healthy development, and strengthening communities in every Congressional district.

“At the same time, we are concerned by the proposal to eliminate Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5). This program helps states build stronger, more coordinated early childhood systems and better connect families with the services they need.

“Supporting programs that help parents find reliable, affordable care for their little ones is both pro-work and pro-family. When Congress invests in these resources, it makes it easier for parents to work, gives children the opportunity to learn and thrive, and helps build a stronger economy for everyone.

“We are thankful to leaders from both parties on the House Appropriations Committee and Labor-H Subcommittee for their support of the child care and early learning programs that families rely on every day. We urge the Senate to build on these investments by prioritizing robust funding for CCDBG and Head Start while maintaining support for PDG B-5. Doing so would help more families access affordable child care, support providers, and give more children the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.”

House Proposal

The House Labor-HHS appropriations proposal includes:

• Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): $10 million increase at $8.8 billion;
• Early Head Start/Head Start: $10 million increase at $12.3 billion;
• Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5): Eliminated.

Learn More:

• FY27 Key Early Learning Programs: A chart explaining the funding timeline of FY27 funding decisions from the White House and Congress.
• Support from Members of Congress: This year, the annual Member led Dear Colleague letters supporting funding for child care and early learning programs saw record levels of support for CCDBG, Head Start, and PDG B-5. 
• The First Five Things to Know: Appropriations FY27: What you need to know about FY27 appropriations and it’s impact on child care and early learning.
• ABCs of Federal Early Learning Programs: Contains an overview of each of the federally funded early learning and care programs. 
• Federal Funding is Foundational: The federal government provides the majority of public funding needed to support child care in the United States. 
• Polling – In this 2026 polling, nearly three out of four voters (74%) say federal funding for child care and early learning is a good use of tax dollars, including 53% of Republicans, 77% of Independents, and 93% of Democrats.