News

Congress has approved a FY2019 “minibus” appropriations package that includes $260 million in increases to the federal early childhood education programs. In addition to a $200 million increase in funding for Head Start and Early Head Start, lawmakers voted to increase funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by $50 million, building on the historic $2.37 billion increase the program received in FY2018 through a bipartisan deal made by House and Senate leaders.

The funding package approved also includes FY2019 funding for the Department of Defense, as well as a short-term Continuing Resolution to fund the rest of the government through December 7, 2018, was overwhelmingly approved in a 361-61 vote, and now awaits the president’s signature.

These increases will continue to support, expand upon, and prioritize our nation’s families and youngest learners.

FY2019 funding numbers as approved:

• Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
  $5.3 billion — $50 million above FY2018
• Early Head Start / Head Start
  $10.1 billion — $200 million above FY2018
• Preschool Development Grants
  $250 million — Level with FY2018
• Child Care Means Parents in School
  $50 million — Level with FY2018
• IDEA Part B Preschool Grants
  $391.12 million — $10 million above FY2018
• IDEA Part C Grants for Infants and Families
  $470 million — Level with FY2018

Read more online at: First Five Years Fund.