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STATEMENT: Protect Head Start. End the Shutdown.
As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, families are facing growing uncertainty and financial pressure. We have a clear message to Congress: America’s families need Head Start. End …

POLLING: Rural Voters on Child Care and Head Start
In a new poll from First Five Years Fund, Rural Americans say money is tight, and child care is a significant part of that burden. The survey shows that the …

Head Start Announcement: New Supplemental Funding Available to Boost Nutrition Services
UPDATE: On September 23, ACF announced more than $61 million in supplemental nutrition funds to over 290 Head Start grantees across the country. Find the complete list of grantees and …

Head Start Community and Champions Gather on Capitol Hill
On September 17, more than 200 members and staff from Head Start programs across the country gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building for a Stand for Head Start reception, …

Statement: FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Initial White House Budget Request for FY26
This morning, the White House released a letter providing President Trump’s recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Also known as the “skinny budget,” the letter contains …

New Poll: Support for Head Start
Quality care is crucial for a child’s development. Early learning programs help build the skills kids need to succeed in school and in life. And when parents know their children …

FFYF Statement on Proposed Elimination of Head Start
Following the news that the proposed FY2026 budget would completely eliminate funding for Head Start, FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling released this statement: “Last night, a leaked memo from the …

ACF Awards Approximately $115 Million in Head Start funds to Serve About 5,000 More Children
Last week, the Administration for Children and Families announced $200 million in funds for early care and education – almost $87 million in new PDG B-5 awards and almost $115 …

Head Start Final Rule Makes Big Changes to Staff Compensation, Program Eligibility, and More
The Office of Head Start (OHS) published the final rule on August 21st, titled Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming, updating the Head Start Program Performance Standards. …

Senate Appropriators Propose Increased Funding for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed $2.3 billion in increased funding for federal child care and early learning programs as part of their markup of the FY2025 …

STATEMENT: FFYF Statement on Proposed FY25 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
WASHINGTON – This morning, the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a markup on proposed funding levels for child care and early learning …