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Budget & Appropriations

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STATE OF PLAY: Appropriations

January 30, 2026

Update – 1/30/26 The Senate passed the FY2026 appropriations package that includes funding increases for federal early learning and care programs. The proposal now returns to the House of Representatives, …

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Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2026

January 20, 2026

Each year, Congress determines funding levels for all of the federal defense and non-defense discretionary programs, including those that support the care and education of children from birth through age …

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WEBINAR: Child Care and Early Learning Funding in 2026

January 15, 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 …

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TOOLKIT: Prioritize Child Care Programs

January 14, 2026

On The Hill: Increased attention on child care and early learning this month means increased outreach from advocates needed. This is a critical moment to remind lawmakers of the importance …

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A Year of Progress: 10 Bright Spots for Child Care & Early Learning

December 16, 2025

Even in a year marked by a government shutdown, political turbulence, and general unpredictability in Washington, 2025 gave us plenty to celebrate for child care and early learning. Families, advocates, …

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TOOLKIT: FY26 Appropriations

November 18, 2025

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 …

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STATE OF PLAY: Federal Shutdown and Child Care/Early Learning Programs

November 18, 2025

UPDATE: 11/18/25 In the aftermath of the shutdown, Head Start programs around the nation are continuing to re-open, some more quickly than others. See the latest on the FFYF Shutdown …

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FFYF Capsule Collection: Appropriations and Child Care

November 17, 2025

What Are Appropriations? In A Nutshell Even with growing support from states, businesses and philanthropy, federal funding makes up the majority of investment in child care and early learning in …

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STATEMENT: FFYF on the End of the Federal Shutdown and What Comes Next

November 13, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The longest federal shutdown in United States history ended last night, with Congress passing a spending package to fund the government through January 30. The following is …

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JOINT STATEMENT: Groups Call on Congress to Protect Head Start, End the Shutdown

October 29, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Families with young children are feeling the pain of the federal shutdown, and without immediate Congressional action, tens of thousands of children could lose access to Head …

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