Candidate
Corner
Voters increasingly look to policymakers for solutions to child care challenges facing working parents and businesses. Child care and early learning are major focal points of candidates and elected officials at all levels of government. First Five Action engages and informs candidates and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to effectively serve their constituents.
Briefing Materials
Child care and early learning have strong bipartisan voter support and are unifying issues. Use the briefing materials below to understand how federal support increases opportunities for quality, affordable child care and early learning for working families.
Polling
Polling results from across the country show that voters overwhelmingly support federal investments in child care across the political spectrum.
Messaging
Use these talking points to guide conversations and advocacy around federal funding and tax policies for child care and early learning.
Tax Code Guide
In-depth looks into child care and early learning policies and tax provisions, how they work, and why families need them.
Happening on the HIll
Child care and early learning discussions on Capitol Hill are constantly shifting and changing. Use the timeline below to stay up to date on the latest from lawmakers and advocates.
Senate Tax Package
In June, Senate Finance releases their version of the tax package with updates to tax policy which could make child care more affordable.
Congressional Dear Colleague Letters
In May, Members of Congress submitted Dear Colleague letters in support of child care and early learning programs. 285 Members of Congress called for increased funding for federal early childhood education and care programs.
White House Budget Request
On May 30 the White House released its official budget request for FY26. The budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services for $93.8B is a reduction of 26.2%.
Media center
Dive deeper into the policy resources and real-life child care challenges faced by families using the media below.
2025 GOP Polling
Our recent poll shows many Republicans are struggling financially, with GOP parents in particular expressing concern about being able to save money or get ahead financially because of child care costs.
2024 National Polling
During the 2024 election, by overwhelming margins voters wanted candidates to provide a plan to address child care challenges in the United States.