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Congress needs to hear from you!

Contact your Member to urge them to prioritize the federal programs that support so many families with their child care needs.

For a child, the first five years last forever.

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ABCS of Federal Early Learning and Child Care Funding Streams

Every year, millions of children who range in age from birth through five benefit from an array of federal early learning and care programs. While there are different early learning settings and certain programs have distinct requirements, together they form a mixed-delivery system that strives to support the care, education, and healthy development of children, prioritizing children from low-income families, parental choice, and children’s individual needs.

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Protect and Expand the CDCTC

We know that Congress will focus on taxes this year. We also know it is crucial that protecting and expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC, or family care credit) is part of that conversation. This important tax credit helps working parents keep more of what they earn to pay for child care and, if it were expanded, could provide real help for families struggling to pay for child care.

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Child Care and Early Learning State Fact Sheets

FFYF’s State Fact Sheets from 50 states and Washington, D.C. show how federal investments in child care impact working parents, children, and the economy. Federal funding and programs benefit families nationwide and serve as the foundation for America’s early care and education system.

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Latest News
& Resources

Resource

2025 FFYF Federal Guide to Early Learning and Care Programs

March 17, 2025

The 119th Congress has the opportunity to invest in America’s children, working families, and the economy through high-quality child care and early childhood education. This resource book is an introduction …

News

Statement: Passage of Continuing Resolution

March 14, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, Congress passed a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded until September 30, 2025, including a temporary extension of critical funding for the core …

News

Fox News Hosts: One Issue That Transcends Party Is Child Care

March 13, 2025

This week, Fox News’ Fox & Friends co-hosts singled out child care challenges as the “one issue” where Democrats and Republicans can come together to provide real economic support for …

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