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Head Start & Early Head Start

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.

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.

Factsheets

Head Start Program Core Elements

March 10, 2026

This document includes the five elements that are essential to the program’s integrity, as supported by national, regional, and state organizations around the country.

Factsheets

2026: ABCs of Federal Early Learning & Child Care Funding Streams

February 25, 2026

An overview of the top federal child care and early learning programs and how they are funded.

Press Releases & Statements

STATEMENT: FY2026 Funding Bill Boosts Federal Investment in Child Care and Early Learning

February 4, 2026

UPDATE – 2/3/26 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: The House of Representatives voted this afternoon, 217–214, to approve five full-year spending bills, including funding for child care and early learning as part …

Data & Analysis

Democratic Quotes of Support for Head Start

February 2, 2026

Quotes from Democratic Members of Congress expressing support for Head Start and the impact it has on the communities they serve.

Data & Analysis

Republican Quotes of Support for Head Start

January 30, 2026

Quotes from Republican Members of Congress expressing support for Head Start and the impact it has on the communities they serve. 

Data & Analysis

STATE OF PLAY: Federal Shutdown and Child Care/Early Learning Programs

November 18, 2025

UPDATE: 11/18/25 In the aftermath of the shutdown, Head Start programs around the nation are continuing to re-open, some more quickly than others. See the latest on the FFYF Shutdown …

Data & Analysis

Shutdown 2025: Impact On Head Start Programs

November 18, 2025

UPDATE: 11/18/25 Head Start programs around the nation are continuing to re-open, some more quickly than others. As of today, Head Start sites in 13 states plus Puerto Rico are …

Press Releases & Statements

STATEMENT: First Five Years Fund on Senate Deal to Reopen the Federal Government

November 10, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the Senate took a step forward in ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. The 60-40 vote paves the way to fund most …

In the News

FFYF’s Sarah Rubinfield on Early Childhood Chats Podcast

November 5, 2025

Government shutdowns disrupt the lives of families whose little ones rely on Head Start. FFYF Government Affairs Managing Director Sarah Rubinfield recently joined Early Childhood Chats from the Institute for …

Data & Analysis

Building the Foundation: Head Start Strengthens Early Learning Nationwide

October 30, 2025

This resource highlights Head Start’s foundational role in state and local early learning systems.

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