The House Appropriations Committee convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) early learning budget, highlighting significant funding increases and program expansions aimed at supporting low-income families and children with disabilities.

The meeting began with an overview of the early learning budget, which has seen substantial growth from $285 million in 2016 to nearly $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2025. Early learning programs account for approximately 3% of the near general fund operating budget and 2% of the total operating budget. Key programs discussed included the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP), which serves low-income children, and the Working Connections Child Care program, which provides subsidized childcare.

The ECAP program, fully state-funded, is designed for children aged 3 to 4 from families earning at or below 110% of the federal poverty level. The budget for ECAP in the 2023-2025 biennium is set at $510 million, with 17,278 slots available. Notably, ECAP will become a statutory entitlement in the 2026-2027 school year, expanding eligibility significantly.

The Working Connections program, which assists families earning up to 60% of the state median income, will see its income limit increase to 75% starting July 1, 2025. The program's budget for the current biennium exceeds $1.3 billion, with a focus on supporting families experiencing homelessness and ensuring access to quality childcare.

The committee also addressed the impact of federal funding, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided substantial financial support for childcare services. However, this funding is set to expire, shifting the financial burden back to state resources.

In addition to funding discussions, the meeting covered the Early Achievers program, a quality rating and improvement system for childcare providers. Participation in this program is mandatory for providers receiving state subsidies, and it offers training and financial incentives to improve childcare quality.

Overall, the meeting underscored the state's commitment to enhancing early learning opportunities for vulnerable populations, with a focus on expanding access and improving quality in childcare services. The committee's discussions will inform future budget decisions and policy directions as the state prepares for the upcoming entitlement changes in ECAP.