Early Learning Challenge Fund
Improving Quality Across All Early Learning Programs
I am fighting for the Early Learning Challenge Fund (ELCF), an Obama Administration program to incentivize states to build a comprehensive, high-quality early learning system for children from birth through age five. This systems-changing program will promote an effective early childhood workforce; parental involvement; data-based decision-making; early learning standards; and a program quality rating system. The Early Learning Challenge Fund will provide supports for programs across all early childhood education settings, including Head Start, state-funded pre-kindergarten, IDEA Part C, Child Care and Development Block Grants, and other early childhood programs. The ELCF will leverage investments from state and local governments, philanthropy, and the private sector, with a focus on quality and alignment of infrastructure between and among these programs
“I applaud Congresswoman Hirono's longstanding commitment to early childhood learning. Her leadership and support for this legislation will play an important role in fulfilling President Obama's commitment to give America's children the educational tools they need to succeed.”
~ U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
“Congresswoman Hirono has long been an advocate for expanding quality early learning opportunities for American families. President Obama understands the value of making early education a priority and the legislation we’ve introduced today would not have been possible without Congresswoman Hirono’s leadership and vision.”
~ Congressman George Miller (D-California), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee.
**Read my letter to the House Appropriations Committee supporting the Early Learning Challenge Fund (pdf).
View the full list of 110 bipartisan congressional co-signers and my Dear Colleague letter.
Read coverage in Education Week’s “Politics K-12” blog.
Read the Child Care and Early Education Coalition letter supporting Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants, and the Early Learning Challenge Fund. (Signed by National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, PTA, National Head Start Association, Children’s Defense Fund, First Five Years Fund, Pre-K Now, Zero to Three, and hundreds of other national, state, and local organizations in all 50 States!)
Read the Senate Appropriations Committee’s language including $300 million for the Early Learning Challenge Fund:
Bill text (page 117) / Report language (pages 10 and 184) / Summary (page 5)
Read my press release on House introduction of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221), which included the original version of the Early Learning Challenge Fund.
Read text, summary, and cosponsors of the House’s original $8 billion Early Learning Challenge Fund in H.R. 3221.
Providing Resources Early for Kids Act
Learn More about my bill, the PRE-K Act
The PRE-K Act (H.R. 702) would establish a federal grant program to encourage and support state efforts to provide high quality preschool opportunities for our children. Grant funds would be available to invest in the professional development of preschool teachers and provide more classroom access and opportunities for children, among other uses. I introduced the PRE-K Act in 2007, and the bill was passed in the House Committee on Education and Labor in June 2008 with 120 Co-Sponsors.
Congresswoman Hirono Reintroduces
the PRE-K act H.R. 702
Congresswoman Hirono joins Chairmen Miller and Kildee in joint letter about military's need for Quality Pre-K
Recovery Benefits for Hawaii
Early Education 
Community Features 
Health Care Reform 
Fighting Hunger in Hawaii 
