Appropriations FY2027
Each year, Congress determines funding levels for federal programs that support the care and education of young children. These investments are essential for working families, early educators, and the healthy development of children ages five and under.
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).
The Latest
What’s Happening
Congress is currently determining funding levels for essential federal child care and early learning programs, including:
- Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): The largest source of federal funding for child care. Congress sets funding levels; states have flexibility in how funds support families and providers in their communities.
- Early Head Start/Head Start: Delivers comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services for eligible children and their families.
- Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5): Help states strengthen, align, and expand their early learning systems.
Timeline
December 11: Deadline for Congress to take action on FY2027, either passing a spending package or passing a new Continuing Resolution to set a new deadline in the future.
November-December 11: Urge Members of Congress to prioritize funding for child care and early learning programs in the FY2027 spending package.
September 1: Before the end of Fiscal Year 2026, Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11th.
June 5: The House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor-H bill, including:
- Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): $10 million increase at $8.8 billion;
- Early Head Start/Head Start: $10 million increase at $12.3 billion;
- Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5): Eliminated.
April 20: Democratic Senators submit a Dear Colleague letter in support of federal funding for child care and early learning programs.
April 3: White House Budget Proposal released.
March 27: The House of Representatives submit FY27 Dear Colleague letters showing record levels of support for federal child care and early learning programs.
March 25: 89 National and State organizations submit a letter to Appropriators in support of federal funding for child care and early learning including:
- CCDBG: Increase of at least $3.57 billion, for a total of at least $12.4 billion
- Early Head Start/Head Start:Increase of at least $1.91 billion for a total of at least $14.27 billion
- PDG B-5: At least $315 million
By the Numbers
In a 2026 nationwide poll, voters across the political spectrum strongly support federal funding for child care and early learning. Nearly three out of four voters (74%) say federal funding for child care and early learning is a good use of tax dollars, including:
- 53% of Republicans
- 77% of Independents
- 93% of Democrats.
What you can do
Urge Congress to prioritize child care and early learning funding in FY27 spending package. This includes strengthening and prioritizing investments in trusted federal child care programs including the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Head Start & Early Head Start, and Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5).
Essential Reading
Resources
STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Proposed FY27 House Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
On June 4th, the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY2027 funding proposal, including federal investments in child care and early learning …
Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2027
A chart explaining the funding timeline of FY27 funding decisions from the White House and Congress.
FFYF Capsule Collection: Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations
A one-stop-shop collection of the top facts, resources, and data around the FY27 Appropriations process.
2026: ABCs of Federal Early Learning & Child Care Funding Streams
An overview of the top federal child care and early learning programs and how they are funded.
Federal Investments are the Foundation for State and Local Early Care and Education Programs
A deep dive into the ways federal funding undergirds the nation’s child care sector.
First Five Things to Know About: 2026 National Child Care Poll
Likely voters show overwhelming support for federal investments in child care and early learning.
Video: The ABCs of Federal Child Care
This 2-minute video shows the ways federal child care and early learning programs work together to reach children and families
The First Five Things to Know: Appropriations FY27
What you need to know about FY27 appropriations and it’s impact on child care and early learning.
Letters
Lawmakers Show Record Support for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
An overview of the FY27 Dear Colleague letters with statistics on number of signers.
FY27 Early Learning and Child Care ‘Dear Colleague’ Letters
“Dear Colleague” letters are a key way for lawmakers to convey and generate support for child care and early learning programs.
FY2027: Community Letter to Appropriators Calls For increased Funding for Child Care and Early Learning
Signed by 87 organizations across 32 states, this letter outlines priorities for the FY27 Appropriations process.
Events
FFYF Hosts Bipartisan Child Care and Early Learning Briefing on Capitol Hill
FFYF was joined by providers, experts, and a bipartisan pair of Members of Congress in a briefing to highlight child care and early learning programs.
