Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting child care and early learning programs across the United States, even as state, business, and philanthropic contributions increase. To understand the landscape of this support, it’s essential to know how these federal funds are allocated and which programs are most significant. This article breaks down the appropriations process and highlights the primary sources of federal funding for child care, focusing on Which Is The Largest Source Of Federal Child Care Program and why it matters.
Decoding the Appropriations Process
The allocation of federal funds for programs like child care operates through a Congressional process known as “appropriations.” This process typically begins in February each year when the White House submits its budget request to Congress. This request outlines the President’s proposed spending priorities. Following this, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, through their respective subcommittees, determine the funding levels for specific programs. Ideally, Congress aims to pass a budget resolution by October 1st, although the actual process can often be more complex and extended.
Within this framework, there are 12 separate appropriations bills, each overseen by a dedicated subcommittee responsible for budgeting for particular federal agencies. Child care and early learning programs are predominantly funded through the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education and Related Agencies bill, commonly referred to as the “Labor-H” bill.
Key figures in the Senate Appropriations Committee include:
- Committee Chair: Sen. Patty Murray (D., WA)
- Ranking Member: Sen. Susan Collins (R., ME)
- Labor-H Subcommittee Chair: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D., WA)
- Labor-H Subcommittee Ranking Member: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R., WV)
Similarly, the House Appropriations Committee leadership comprises:
- Committee Chair: Rep. Tom Cole (R., OK)
- Ranking Member: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D., CT)
- Labor-H Subcommittee Chair: Rep. Robert Aderholt (R., AL)
- Labor-H Subcommittee Ranking Member: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D., CT).
Key Federal Programs and Funding Sources
While diverse federal programs contribute to early childhood education, a few stand out as major funding channels. It’s important to identify which is the largest source of federal child care program among these.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is indeed the largest single source of federal funding for child care. This block grant is allocated by Congress to states, providing them with considerable flexibility. States then utilize these funds to bolster their early learning and care systems, tailoring support to meet the specific needs of children, parents, and child care providers within their communities. The CCDBG is critical for expanding access to affordable and quality child care across the nation.
Beyond CCDBG, other significant federally funded programs include:
- Head Start and Early Head Start: These programs, also funded through the appropriations process, offer comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services. They are designed to serve young children, pregnant women, and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Head Start and Early Head Start provide crucial early intervention and support services.
- Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5): This grant program assists states in gathering data and developing infrastructure to enhance coordination, quality, and efficiency across various early child care and education options. PDG B-5 grants are vital for improving the overall landscape of early childhood education systems at the state level.
Despite the existence of these federal investments and bipartisan support for early learning and care, current funding levels only reach a fraction of eligible families. This highlights the ongoing need for sustained and increased federal commitment to these programs.
Public and Congressional Support for Federal Child Care Funding
There is strong public support for increasing federal funding for child care and early learning programs. Even when considering concerns about the federal deficit, a July 2023 poll revealed that 74% of voters believe that increasing funding for these programs is a worthwhile investment of tax dollars. This bipartisan consensus is evident across party lines:
- 74% of Independent voters agree
- 86% of Democratic voters agree
- 61% of Republican voters agree
Voters specifically support increasing funding for key programs:
- Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG): 78% support increasing federal funding to states to expand CCDBG, including 68% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: 80% support greater funding for Head Start and Early Head Start, including 71% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
This widespread voter support is mirrored by bipartisan efforts in Congress, as seen in various letters advocating for increased funding for these critical programs in FY25:
- Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Letter: A bipartisan letter led by Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) with 94 signatures, requesting at least $500 million for PDG B-5. [FY25 Bipartisan Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Letter]
- Democrat Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) Letter: Led by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), with 162 signatures, requesting at least $12.4 billion for CCDBG. [FY25 Democrat Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) Letter]
- Republican Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) Letter: Led by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT), with 34 signatures, advocating for robust funding for CCDBG. [FY25 Republican Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) Letter]
- Democrat Led Head Start and Early Head Start Letter: Led by Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT), with 179 signatures, requesting $15.67 billion for Head Start in FY 2025. [FY25 Democrat Led Head Start and Early Head Start Letter]
- Republican Led Head Start and Early Head Start Letter: Led by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN), with 34 signatures, supporting continued strong funding for Head Start. [FY25 Republican Led Head Start and Early Head Start Letter]
- House Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS): Led by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), advocating for robust funding for CCAMPIS. [FY 25 House Dear Colleague Letter Supporting Funding for Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS)]
- Senate Democrat Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG), Head Start and Early Head Start Letter: Led by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), with 45 signatures, requesting the highest possible funding for CCDBG, Head Start, Early Head Start, PDG, and early intervention services. [FY25 Senate Democrat Led Child Care & Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG), Head Start and Early Head Start Letter]
Conclusion
Understanding the federal appropriations process and the key programs it funds is crucial for anyone involved in or advocating for early childhood education. While various programs contribute, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) stands out as the largest source of federal funding for child care programs. Continued and increased investment in CCDBG, along with programs like Head Start and PDG B-5, is essential to expand access to quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities for all families. The strong bipartisan public and congressional support provides a foundation for future growth and impact in this critical sector.
