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STATEMENT: FY2026 Funding Bill Boosts Federal Investment in Child Care and Early Learning
This evening, 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, which …
STATEMENT: FFYF on Safeguarding Integrity of Child Care Funding
The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling about the urgent need to ensure that federal child care resources continue to reach eligible families …
Statement: National Defense Authorization Act Includes Critical Child Care Support for Military Families
Today, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, taking an important step toward addressing the critical child care needs of military families. Nearly 40% of service members have children, many …
Hot Topic: PDG B-5 Grants, December 2025
UPDATE 11/25/25 The deadline for applications for Systems-Building Grants is swiftly approaching. A few notes: Last week, Start Early, BUILD, EducationCounsel, and the Alliance for Early Success hosted a webinar …
STATEMENT: FFYF on the End of the Federal Shutdown and What Comes Next
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 …
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 …
STATEMENT: Protecting Children In A Time of Uncertainty
The first few years of life set the foundation for children’s health, learning, and behavior. During this crucial birth-to-five period, a child’s brain is especially adaptable—but also vulnerable. Repeated exposure …
STATEMENT: Protect Head Start. End the Shutdown.
As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, families are facing growing uncertainty and financial pressure. We have a clear message to Congress: America’s families need Head Start. End …
STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Senate Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act to establish proposed funding levels for child care and …
FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Child Care for Working Families Act Introduction
WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) re-introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWFA), comprehensive legislation that would address access, affordability, …
FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Child Care Tax Enhancements in the Final Reconciliation Package
Final passage of the 2025 reconciliation bill contains updates to tax credits which will help make child care more affordable for more working families with young children including: The following …
STATEMENT: FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on proposed expansion of child care tax credits
On Monday afternoon, the Senate released the text of their bill to reauthorize the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This version contains updates to tax credits which will …
