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Policy Priority
Child Care and Early Learning Programs

Child Care & Development Block Grant

Overview

Child care is a necessity for working parents, yet the cost of quality care often places it out of reach for many families.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under age 13.

Additionally, CCDBG allows for flexibility to match state and federal funds to improve the overall quality of child care within existing state and local systems.

Current Funding Level: CCDBG is funded at $8.83 billion for FY2026. Combined with the Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) annual mandatory funding of $3.55 billion, total Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funding is $12.38 billion.

Top News and
Resources

Factsheets

CCDBG: Overview

July 7, 2025

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under age 13.

Toolkits & Talking Points

Capsule Collection: Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

August 27, 2025

What is CCDBG? The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is a federal program that helps parents with low incomes afford child care while they work or attend school. …

Factsheets

First Five Things To Know About: The Child Care Modernization Act

September 18, 2025

Parents want child care options that meet their family’s unique needs and support their child’s healthy development. Yet today, far too many working families struggle to find and afford the …

Policy Letters

FFYF Comments to CCDBG Regulations

February 22, 2016
Policy Letters

FY19 Appropriations Coalition Thank You Letter

October 12, 2018

October 11, 2018 The Honorable Richard ShelbyUnited States Senate304 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Shelby, The Child Care and Early Learning Coalition appreciates the increased funding included …

Data & Analysis

CCDBG, a Program that Provides Vital Child Care Assistance, Celebrates 28th Birthday

November 5, 2018

Today, the Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG) celebrates its 28th anniversary. Since November 1990, millions of children from low-income families have gained access to early learning environments, parents …

What You Can Do
about CcDBG


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