Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant
This grant funds states and territories to improve early childhood education data and technology systems for better program coordination, quality, access, and informed family choice for children birth through age five.
Funder: Administration for Children and Families
Due Dates: September 29, 2026 (Optional webinar) | November 20, 2026 (Application)
Funding Amounts: $500,000–$15 million per award for one year; $224 million estimated total
Summary: Supports one-year state and territory investments in early care and education technology, data infrastructure, analytics, and innovation testing.
Key Information: Only a governor-designated entity from an eligible state or territory may apply; a 30% match applies, subject to limited territorial waivers.
Description
The Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Early Childhood Development funds focused investments that help states and territories use early care and education (ECE) data to make decisions and produce measurable results within one year. Projects must advance a defined, data-informed state goal rather than undertake general strategic planning.
Applicants select one of two investment options: building or strengthening statewide technology infrastructure, or using established technology and analytic capacity to test an innovation. The program aims to improve coordination across mixed-delivery ECE systems, program quality and access, informed family choice, and understanding of the needs of children from birth through age five.
