STRATEGIC FINANCING: - National Academy for State Health Policy

Appendix A: Federal Funding Sources for Early Childhood Supports and Services
Program Federal Administering Agency FY 2002
Head Start Health and Human Services $ 6.5 billion
Child Care and Development Fund Health and Human Services $ 4.8 billion
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Health and Human Services $ 4 billion
(TANF)
Preschool Grants Program Education $ 500 million
Even Start Education $ 250 million
Title I Education $ 200 million
Social Services Block Grant Health and Human Services $ 165 million
Early Reading First Education $ 75 million
Grants for Infants Education $ 51 million
Fifty-nine federal programs have been identified as providing funding for early childhood
supports and services. The following list is an index that categorizes the programs according to
five major types of services that they can support:
• Basic Needs
• Family Support
• Child Development and Preschool Education
• Health and Mental Health
• Infrastructure
The list provides a brief description of the major function of each program. For a more detailed
description including the application process, matching requirements, and contact information,
see the Finance Project publication, Federal Funding for Early Childhood Supports and Services:
A Guide to Sources and Strategies.
Entitlement Programs
The following programs have open-ended appropriations that provide funding to serve all
children and families that meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Generally, the federal funds
provide a “match” or reimbursement for public expenditures and flow to the state agency that
administers the program. These programs are important because they can provide a sustainable
source of funding for programs. Close coordination with the administering state agency is
necessary to access funding under these programs.
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