Early childhood covers the years before a child starts school and the public programs that support children and their families during that time. Child care, preschool, health and developmental services, and help with costs all fit here. Federal, state, and local governments share the work, along with schools, nonprofits, and private providers, and the rules can differ a great deal from place to place.
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On January 1, 2026, the Trump administration froze money the federal government gives states to help pay for child care—in all 50 states. Not only Minnesota,…
When a major disaster strikes, families face overwhelming challenges. Beyond the immediate needs for safety and shelter, the disruption to daily life creates immense strain. For…
Your baby gets more shots in their first two years than you probably got in your entire childhood. That's not because doctors have gone injection-happy—it's because…
The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), strengthens public health systems to meet the…
Child Care and Preschool covers child care and preschool options, and Head Start and State Pre-K Programs covers the federal and state programs that prepare young children for school.
Child Care Subsidies and Affordability covers public help that lowers what families pay for care.
Early Intervention Services covers services for infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities.
Choosing the right child care setting is a significant decision for any family, meaningfully impacting a child's development and a family's well-being. This guide…
Affording child care is a significant challenge for many families across the United States. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a key…
ChildCare.gov serves as a trusted partner for families navigating the complex world of child care. This official U.S. government website provides free tools, valuable…
This guide will help you navigate the search for quality child care by leveraging government resources and expert advice. The best programs provide warm,…
The search for affordable, high-quality child care represents a significant challenge for American families. Child care expenses often exceed the cost of housing, food,…
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program designed to help families with children achieve economic security and stability. While many associate…
Head Start is a valuable federal program that gives young children from low-income families the tools they need to succeed in school and life.…
Head Start is a comprehensive federal program that promotes school readiness for young children from birth to age five from low-income families across the…
Head Start began in 1965 as an eight-week summer project, a key initiative in President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. From its inception,…
Head Start is a federal program designed to promote school readiness of young children, from birth up to age five, from families with low…
