January 17, 2014

This week, Congress, with bi-partisan support, passed a spending bill that includes major investments for young children.

The biggest news is that the cuts to Head Start and child care will be fully restored, and there will be $850 million in new funds for early learning!

Here are some of the specifics:
•    Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG): The funding level will be at $2.36 billion, which will restore $115 million in cuts known as “sequester” and provide an additional $39 million for expanding child care access and improving its quality. 
•    Head Start:  A $1.025 billion increase, which includes the restoration of $400 million in cuts and additional $650 million in new dollars. Of that, $500 million is allocated for Early Head Start to support Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships.
•    Race to the Top: The bill includes $250 million for competitive awards to allow states to develop, enhance or expand high-quality preschools with comprehensive services for low-income families.

Your voices were clearly heard!  Congratulations!