Every year, Congress makes decisions on funding priorities including key early childhood programs like Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start and IDEA preschool special education and early intervention. This year, the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, when Congress could not reach a funding agreement to keep the government open, creating severe disruptions for early childhood educators and the children and families they serve. While the shutdown is drawing to a close, Congress has still not resolved important questions about funding levels for key child care and early learning programs.

NAEYC and our partners continue to advocate that Congress comes together to pass appropriations bills that prioritize the needs of early educators, children and families.  

We need your voice alongside ours. 

Take action today and urge your members of Congress to pass appropriations legislation that prioritizes young children, families, and educators.