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Head Start & Early Head Start

Factsheets

Head Start and Early Head Start: The Program Overview

Head Start is a federally funded program that delivers comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services to children ages 3 through 5 experiencing  poverty and their families. More …

Data & Analysis

The First Five Things to Know About: Head Start In Every Congressional District

Head Start has been making a difference in the lives of children and families for more than 60 years. Since its beginning, the program has reached more than 40 million …

Data & Analysis

ACF: How Early Learning Programs Align With Executive Order on School Choice

Last week, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued two Information Memorandums (IM) and one Dear Colleague Letter addressing …

Press Releases & Statements

Statement: FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Initial White House Budget Request for FY26

This morning, the White House released a letter providing President Trump’s recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Also known as the “skinny budget,” the letter contains …

Polling

New Poll: Support for Head Start

Quality care is crucial for a child’s development. Early learning programs help build the skills kids need to succeed in school and in life. And when parents know their children …

Press Releases & Statements

FFYF Statement on Proposed Elimination of Head Start

Following the news that the proposed FY2026 budget would completely eliminate funding for Head Start, FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling released this statement:  “Last night, a leaked memo from the …

Factsheets

2025: ABCs of Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding Streams

Every year, millions of children who range in age from birth through five benefit from an array of federal early learning and care programs. While there are different early learning …

Data & Analysis

ACF Awards Approximately $115 Million in Head Start funds to Serve About 5,000 More Children

Last week, the Administration for Children and Families announced $200 million in funds for early care and education –  almost $87 million in new PDG B-5 awards and almost $115 …

Data & Analysis

Head Start Final Rule Makes Big Changes to Staff Compensation, Program Eligibility, and More

The Office of Head Start (OHS) published the final rule on August 21st, titled Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming, updating the Head Start Program Performance Standards. …

Data & Analysis

Senate Appropriators Propose Increased Funding for Child Care and Early Learning Programs 

WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed $2.3 billion in increased funding for federal child care and early learning programs as part of their markup of the FY2025 …

Data & Analysis

2024 Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets

FFYF’s 2024 State Fact Sheets from 50 states and Washington, D.C. show how federal investments in child care impact working parents, children, and the economy. Federal funding and programs benefit …

US Capitol building
Press Releases & Statements

STATEMENT: FFYF Statement on Proposed FY25 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs

WASHINGTON – This morning, the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a markup on proposed funding levels for child care and early learning …

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