News & Resources
FEATURED PRIORITES
Appropriations FY2027
For FY2027, Congress should protect, prioritize, and expand these investments in programs including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Early Head Start/Head Start, and the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5).
Child Care is an Affordability Issue
“Affordability anxiety” is particularly high for parents of young children, where child care consistently stands out as one of the most significant and unavoidable expenses.
Modernizing Child Care
Modernizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is essential to ensuring more working families can access the quality, affordable child care care they need.
2026 Early Head Start and Head Start
Head Start has a long history of giving kids a strong start through comprehensive early learning, health, and nutrition services. We are focused on continuing to bolster overall support for this essential program at the federal level.
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New Guidance Released for Use of ARP Act Supplemental CCDBG Funding
On Friday, the Office of Child Care (OCC) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released guidance on the use of $14.99 billion in supplemental Child Care and …
Advocates Call for Increased FY2022 Appropriations for Early Learning and Care Programs
This week, FFYF and other national early care and education advocacy organizations sent a letter calling on Congress to provide increased funding for federal early learning and care programs, including the Child …
FFYF Hosts Congressional Briefing on Federal ECE Programs Ahead of FY22 Appropriations
On Tuesday, the First Five Years Fund hosted a virtual briefing on federal funding for early learning and care programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, …
Becerra Confirmed as HHS Secretary, Will Oversee Important Early Learning & Care Programs
WASHINGTON – In a bipartisan vote today, the Senate confirmed Xavier Becerra as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Once he is sworn in by Vice …
Comparing Early Learning and Care Provisions in the House, Senate, and Final FY21 Budget Reconciliation Packages
Recognizing the essential role of child care — its proven benefits to a child’s learning and healthy development and its support of America’s labor market and economy by allowing parents …
During HHS Confirmation Hearings, Becerra Emphasizes Importance of Federal Early Learning and Care Programs
Child care and early learning were in the spotlight during Health and Human Services nominee Xavier Becerra’s recent Senate confirmation hearings. During his opening remarks to the Senate Health, Education, …
2021 ABCs of Federal Early Learning and Care Funding Streams
Every year, millions of low-income children from birth through age five benefit from the array of federal early learning and care programs. Each is governed by specific legislative and regulatory …
FFYF’s Blueprint for Progress
Across the political spectrum, voters and policymakers recognize the importance of investing in policy solutions that support healthy development in children, beginning at birth, while allowing working parents to pursue …
Early Learning and Care in Final COVID Relief Legislation
Recognizing the essential role of child care — its proven benefits to a child’s learning and healthy development and its support of America’s labor market and economy by allowing parents …
Biden Relief Proposal Underscores Child Care as Central to Economic Recovery
Proposal includes $40 billion in dedicated relief for child care providers, along with significant tax benefits and financial support for families WASHINGTON – Today, President-elect Joe Biden released the details …
Xavier Becerra Nominated to be HHS Secretary, Would Oversee Critical Early Learning & Care Programs
WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden announced California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as his nominee to be Health and Human Services Secretary. Once confirmed, Becerra will lead the federal agency that …
