Using TANF for Early Childhood Programs

Publication Date: May 2006

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Hannah Matthews; Danielle Ewen; Mark Greenberg

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

In recent years, states have made significant investments in pre-kindergarten programs in order to help young children enter school ready to learn. Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds are among the sources states have tapped to support some or all of their early childhood initiatives.

This brief, supported by the Foundation for Child Development, outlines when and how states can use TANF funds to support early childhood programs, and examines the impact of TANF changes included the 2006 federal budget (called the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) on this use.