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Budget & Appropriations

Toolkits & Talkings Points

TOOLKIT: FY27 Appropriations

The Ask  Congress: Please sign on to “Dear Colleague” letters to show your support for early learning and child care funding. These letters help build momentum for programs like Head …

Toolkits & Talkings Points

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 …

Post on social: Ask Congress to show support for child care and early learning programs

Email Congress: Ask Congress to show support for child care and early learning programs

News

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 …

Factsheets

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 …

Press Releases & Statements

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 …

US Capitol building
Factsheets

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 …

Data & Analysis

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, …

Events & Hearings

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 …

Toolkits & Talkings Points

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 …

Factsheets

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, …

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