Budget & Appropriations
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FFYF Capsule Collection: Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations
Overview Each year, Congress determines funding levels for all federal defense and non-defense discretionary programs, including those that support the care and education of children from birth through age five. Over the …
FY27 Early Learning and Child Care ‘Dear Colleague’ Letters
The annual appropriations process is an important time for lawmakers to determine their priorities for the next fiscal year. Congress uses this process to allocate funding for federal programs, activities …
2026: ABCs of Federal Early Learning & Child Care Funding Streams
Each year, millions of children from birth through age five benefit from an array of federal early learning and care programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services …
STATEMENT: FY2026 Funding Bill Boosts Federal Investment in Child Care and Early Learning
UPDATE – 2/3/26 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: The House of Representatives voted this afternoon, 217–214, to approve five full-year spending bills, including funding for child care and early learning as part …
Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2026
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 …
STATE OF PLAY: Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations
FINAL LOOK The FY26 Appropriations process was complicated by a series of continuing resolutions, rumors of a Head Start elimination, Congressional gridlock, and a 43-day government shutdown. In the end, …
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 …
TOOLKIT: Prioritize Child Care Programs
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 …
A Year of Progress: 10 Bright Spots for Child Care & Early Learning
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, …
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 …
