Congress’ Bipartisan Record as Champions for Early Learning and Care

For years, Congress has showed continued bipartisan support for early learning programs. Members of both parties have increased funding to programs, while also working to reform and improve existing early childhood programs and meet the needs of families. During the 115th Congress, early learning and care continued to make substantial gains including a historic $2.37 billion increase to the Child Care and Development Block Grant, investments in the new Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, and continued investments in Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership grants. These investments have have empowered states to improve the quality of care to ensure that children’s development is well supported.

National polling over the last decade shows Americans agree with Congress, quality early childhood education is a top priority issue for people of every political persuasion. Americans see high-quality early learning as a starting point for enabling individual opportunity and achievement that build the society all Americans want. Voters are 8 times more likely to have a more favorable opinion of their member of Congress for supporting policies and funding for quality early learning. With Congress as a powerful advocate, children from birth to age five have better access to critical resources that prepare them for elementary school and beyond.

The First Five Years Fund commends Congress on their continued efforts to ensure our youngest learners have access to a continuum of high-quality early learning from the very start of their lives. The legislation highlighted below shows Congress’ efforts during the 115th Congress to improve care and learning for young children across the country. FFYF looks forward to the 116th Congress’ continued work on such an important and bipartisan issue.

You can learn more about Congress’ bipartisan record on supporting early learning and care here.