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FFYF Capsule Collection: Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations
Each year, Congress determines funding levels for federal programs, including those that support the care and education of children from birth through age five.
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 …
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 …
First Five Things To Know About: The SEED Act
Early childhood educators play a critical role in supporting children’s development and enabling parents to work. To ensure young learners can succeed, many use their own money to buy necessary …
FFYF Letter to the Ways and Means Committee in Support of the SEED Act
FFYF sent the following letter in support of the Supporting Early-childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act to the Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith and Ranking Member Richard Neal. …
POLITICO: Child Care Costs Are Driving the Affordability Debate in 2026
How rising expenses are putting pressure on families and shaping policy discussions across party lines By: Sarah Rittling “Affordability” has become the defining economic theme of 2026. As families look …
FY2027: Community Letter to Appropriators Calls For increased Funding for Child Care and Early Learning
WASHINGTON – The First Five Years Fund (FFYF) and a coalition of 87 major early education advocacy organizations from 32 states have a new letter to Congressional appropriators calling for …
The Friday Five: The Latest Child Care and Early Learning News
The child care and early learning news you don’t want to miss. Check here for updates every Friday for the latest information you need to know. March 20 Capitol Hill …
Enrollment and Attendance Payment Models: Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
Overview: States have the flexibility to pay child care providers participating in subsidy programs based on either enrollment or attendance. With enrollment-based payment, providers receive a set amount for holding …
FFYF Hosts Bipartisan Child Care and Early Learning Briefing on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The First Five Years Fund (FFYF), in conjunction with the Bipartisan Pre-K and Child Care Caucus, hosted congressional staff for its annual “ABCs of Federal Early Learning …
Head Start Program Core Elements
Over its 60-year history, Head Start has adhered to essential quality components. There are 5 Core Elements fundamental to the program’s continued effectiveness and impact.
