First Five Years Fund

Always great to be with @firstfiveyears for their annual ABCs of Federal Early Learning and Child Care briefing. The earliest years form the foundation on which everything else is built. When we invest in a child’s start, we strengthen families, support working parents, and set a stronger course for our communities. That’s the role programs like Head Start play—and why protecting them has been a priority for me. Last year, when Bucks County’s Head Start funding was put at risk, I moved immediately—working alongside the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and pressing federal decision-makers at every level to make clear what was on the line. We secured an immediate extension to prevent any disruption in services, followed by a full five-year renewal to provide long-term certainty for families. And today, hundreds of children across our community are learning, growing, and thriving—because that foundation was protected. High-quality, affordable childcare is one of the most important investments we can make in our families, our workforce, and our future. I’m grateful to FFYF, a longtime partner in this work, as we continue to ensure every child in our community—and across this country—has the strong start they deserve and the opportunity to succeed. 🔗: ffyf.org/2026/03/17/202…

Child care is one of the fastest-growing expenses for working families. According to @FirstFiveYears, child care costs have climbed 29% from 2020 to 2024, with parents now paying more than $13,000 on average annually for basic care. This is completely unaffordable for most American families. That’s why our Affordability Agenda lays out a roadmap to make quality child care more affordable and accessible.