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STATE OF PLAY: Appropriations
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 …
Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2026
Each year, Congress determines funding levels for all of the federal defense and non-defense discretionary programs, including those that support the care and education of children from birth through age …
WEBINAR: Child Care and Early Learning Funding in 2026
Increased attention on child care and early learning this month means increased outreach from advocates is needed. This is a critical moment to remind lawmakers of the importance of child …
TOOLKIT: Prioritize Child Care Programs
On The Hill: Increased attention on child care and early learning this month means increased outreach from advocates needed. This is a critical moment to remind lawmakers of the importance …
A Year of Progress: 10 Bright Spots for Child Care & Early Learning
Even in a year marked by a government shutdown, political turbulence, and general unpredictability in Washington, 2025 gave us plenty to celebrate for child care and early learning. Families, advocates, …
TOOLKIT: FY26 Appropriations
The Ask Congress: Please act quickly to provide increased stability for families, children, and programs by passing the Senate FY26 Labor-H appropriations bill that prioritizes funding for child care and early learning programs for a full year. Step …
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 …
FFYF Capsule Collection: Appropriations and Child Care
What Are Appropriations? In A Nutshell Even with growing support from states, businesses and philanthropy, federal funding makes up the majority of investment in child care and early learning in …
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 …
JOINT STATEMENT: Groups Call on Congress to Protect Head Start, End the Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Families with young children are feeling the pain of the federal shutdown, and without immediate Congressional action, tens of thousands of children could lose access to Head …
ANALYSIS: FFYF’s 2025 State Fact Sheets
FFYF’s 2025 State Fact Sheets show how federal investments in child care impact working parents, children, and the economy. These federal programs not only benefit families nationwide, they also serve …
