Dear Colleagues:

As we enter the summer months, I am pleased to report several key milestones for our early childhood programs. Federal funding is helping to stabilize child care across the country, and we’re making enrollment easier than ever for Head Start families. The Child Care Stabilization grants funded by the American Rescue Plan have reached 182,000 providers, with more than 250,000 awards, impacting more than 7 million children.

We will continue to prioritize meaningful outcomes for the early care and education workforce so they can remain in classrooms, elevate the needs of families with young children, and focus our work on the most pressing issues where we have a responsibility to act.

ACF released a message last week on the formula shortage — a medical crisis for many families. Across federal government, the Administration is working in partnership with industry, retail, and international entities to address and bring an end to the shortage. The President invoked the Defense Production Act to help U.S. formula manufacturers increase production, Operation Fly Formula is airlifting in formula that meets American safety standards, and the U.S.D.A. is making it easier for families participating in WIC to easily access formula. Collectively, these actions and more are making an impact and helping to get formula to families who need it.

I encourage you to engage with the content below, visit our webpages for more information, and reach out to us at earlychildhooddevelopment@acf.hhs.gov if you have questions or feedback.

Thank you for your continued partnership in improving the lives of young children, families, and communities across the county.

With appreciation,

Katie

Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development

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