Early childhood programs, Head Start grantees, childcare centers, and preschools can access billions in federal funding from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Education, and other agencies. These grants support high-quality early learning, comprehensive child development, and childcare for working families.
Early childhood grants support the most critical years of child development. Staying informed about funding opportunities ensures your program can serve more children and families.
GrantPing helps early childhood organizations track federal funding opportunities.
The Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood services to low-income children and families. Grants support education, health, nutrition, and family support services. Awards range from $500,000 to over $10 million depending on program size and enrollment.
The CCDF provides formula grants to states for childcare subsidies and quality improvement. States distribute funds to childcare providers and quality initiatives. Quality improvement grants support professional development, curriculum, and facility improvements.
PDG grants help states build or expand high-quality preschool programs. Awards range from $5 million to $20 million per state for mixed-delivery preschool systems serving low- and moderate-income children.
The MIECHV program funds evidence-based home visiting programs for pregnant women and families with young children. Formula grants to states range from $500,000 to $20 million annually.
EHS-CCP grants support partnerships between Early Head Start grantees and childcare providers to deliver comprehensive services in community-based childcare settings. Awards range from $500,000 to $3 million.
Agency: Administration for Children and Families
Typical Award: $750,000 - $12,000,000
Summary: Competitive grants for new Head Start and Early Head Start programs or expansion of existing programs. Comprehensive services include early learning, health screenings, nutrition, mental health, and family support for children birth to age 5 and pregnant women.
Agency: Administration for Children and Families
Typical Award: $50,000 - $500,000 (via state agencies)
Summary: States use CCDF quality funds to improve childcare through professional development, quality rating systems, curriculum development, facility improvements, and infant-toddler care expansion. Providers apply through state childcare agencies.
Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Typical Award: $5,000,000 - $15,000,000
Summary: Supports states in developing and expanding high-quality preschool programs, particularly for children from low-income families. Funds needs assessments, strategic planning, and expansion of mixed-delivery systems including public schools, Head Start, and community providers.
Early childhood grant eligibility typically includes:
Successful early childhood grants typically support:
Get daily alerts for Head Start, CCDF, PDG, and other federal early childhood grants. Filter by age group served, service type, and geographic area.
Get Started at GrantPing →GrantPing monitors ACF, Department of Education, and other agencies funding early childhood programs. You'll receive notifications about competitive grants, continuation funding, and quality improvement opportunities—helping you expand access to high-quality early learning for children and families.