For a child, the first five years last forever.
HOT ON THE HILL
The final version of the 2025 tax reconciliation package permanently improves three pieces of tax policy that help make child care more affordable for working families with young children. This legislation includes an expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), The Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F), and Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAP).
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.
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
STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Senate Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a markup of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act to establish proposed funding levels for child care and …
How Do Families Decide on Child Care? A New Study Examines Early Learning and Care Decision-Making
Without sufficient federal funding for early learning and care services, options for children and their families remain limited. Thankfully, there are efforts underway to increase access to affordable, high-quality care. …
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 …
