For a child, the first five years last forever.
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.
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.
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.
Latest News
& Resources
Child Care and the Federal Tax Code
Millions of families across the United States need child care. Yet for too many, child care is hard to find and even harder to afford. Congress can lead the way. …
New Poll: GOP Voters Call on Congress, White House to Act on Child Care
In the 2024 election, voters made it clear that child care challenges were causing a serious strain on family finances, workplace productivity, and the economy as a whole. They want …
Statement: FFYF on the Committee Passage of the Small Business Child Care Investment Act
Today, First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship passed Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jackie Rosen’s …
