Congress passes strong budget for Early Education

From the NC Child Care Coalition:

Thanks to all early education advocates! Your voices were heard! Congress has passed a budget that includes significant increases in early education funding.

The Omnibus FY 2016 Appropriations Bill, which Congress passed on Friday, December 17, 2016 includes significant increases in funding for early education programs including:

• Total of $2.8 billion, with an increase of $326 million for the Child Care Development Block Grant; and $127 million is set aside for improving quality of care for infants and toddlers.

• Total of 9.2 billion for Head Start, with includes an increase of $570 million for Head Start targeted to a $141 million COLA for Head Start educators, $135 million for Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships; and $294 million to support training and technical assistance and expanded hours.

• $250 million for the continuation of Preschool Development Grantsa $15 million increase for IDEA Part B Preschool Grants;

• a $20 million increase in IDEA Part C Grants for Infants and Families; and

• $800 billion in tax credits that makes permanent the refundable credits for low-income families through the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Now is the time to thank all of your Congressional representatives for their support for early education and young children and families.  Send a message from the Coalition’s Action which has a prewritten message or craft your own, and it will be delivered automatically to your representative.

This work by Congress is sure to bring new resources to North Carolina early education system.