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Head Start & Early Head Start

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

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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 …

Data & Analysis

CAPSULE COLLECTION: Head Start

IN A NUTSHELL The Head Start program has served more than 40 million children in its 60-year history—giving kids a strong start through early learning, health, and nutrition services. Children …

Data & Analysis

Democratic Quotes of Support for Head Start

Head Start provides high-quality learning and care, nutrition, and medical services for young children whose families have incomes below poverty. This helps their parents to go to work, especially in …

Data & Analysis

Republican Quotes of Support for Head Start

Head Start provides high-quality learning and care, nutrition, and medical services for young children whose families have incomes below poverty. This helps their parents to go to work, especially in …

Data & Analysis

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

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 …

Data & Analysis

Shutdown 2025: Impact On Head Start Programs

UPDATE: 11/18/25 Head Start programs around the nation are continuing to re-open, some more quickly than others. As of today, Head Start sites in 13 states plus Puerto Rico are …

Press Releases & Statements

STATEMENT: First Five Years Fund on Senate Deal to Reopen the Federal Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the Senate took a step forward in ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. The 60-40 vote paves the way to fund most …

In the News

FFYF’s Sarah Rubinfield on Early Childhood Chats Podcast

Government shutdowns disrupt the lives of families whose little ones rely on Head Start. FFYF Government Affairs Managing Director Sarah Rubinfield recently joined Early Childhood Chats from the Institute for …

Data & Analysis

Building the Foundation: Head Start Strengthens Early Learning Nationwide

Head Start provides funding directly to local grantees who operate in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the country and tailor programs based on their community’s specific needs and resources. …

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