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Policy Priority
Child Care and Early Learning Programs

Child Care & Development Block Grant

Overview

Child care is a necessity for working parents, yet the cost of quality care often places it out of reach for many families.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under age 13.

Additionally, CCDBG allows for flexibility to match state and federal funds to improve the overall quality of child care within existing state and local systems.

Current Funding Level: CCDBG is funded at $8.83 billion for FY2026. Combined with the Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) annual mandatory funding of $3.55 billion, total Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funding is $12.38 billion.

Top News and
Resources

Factsheets

First Five Things To Know About: The Child Care Modernization Act

September 18, 2025

Parents want child care options that meet their family’s unique needs and support their child’s healthy development. Yet today, far too many working families struggle to find and afford the …

Toolkits & Talking Points

Capsule Collection: Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

August 27, 2025

What is CCDBG? The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is a federal program that helps parents with low incomes afford child care while they work or attend school. …

Factsheets

CCDBG: Overview

July 7, 2025

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act provides federal funding to states for child care subsidies for low-income families with children under age 13.

Policy Letters

FY2027: Community Letter to Appropriators Calls For increased Funding for Child Care and Early Learning

March 25, 2026

Signed by 87 organizations across 32 states, this letter outlines priorities for the FY27 Appropriations process.

Data & Analysis

Enrollment and Attendance Payment Models: Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

March 18, 2026

Overview: States have the flexibility to pay child care providers participating in subsidy programs based on either enrollment or attendance. With enrollment-based payment, providers receive a set amount for holding …

Events & Hearings

FFYF Hosts Bipartisan Child Care and Early Learning Briefing on Capitol Hill

March 17, 2026

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.

What You Can Do
about CcDBG


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