2027 ECE PDG Funding

2027 PDG B-5 Funding Forecast is Here!

The next round of Preschool Development Grant Birth-Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grants is on the horizon. ACF expects applications to open September 17, 2026, with $224 million available to fund 25 states for one-year investments in early childhood technology, data infrastructure, and analytics.

This funding opportunity supports states and territories in making targeted, one-year investments in early care and education (ECE) technology and data infrastructure to:

  • Modernize statewide ECE technology and analytics capabilities.
  • Strengthen coordination across the mixed-delivery early childhood system.
  • Improve program quality and increase access to services.
  • Support informed family choice through better access to information.
  • Leverage data to better understand and address the needs of children from birth through age five.
  • Advance the long-term goals and priorities of the PDG B-5 initiative through strategic technology investments.
Read More!

Turn PDG Funding Into a Connected ECE Future!

Have a PDG Technology Investment in Mind? Think Beyond the Immediate Need.

PDG funding provides an opportunity to address more than immediate technology needs. New World’s Insight ECE ecosystem helps states modernize critical ECE infrastructure, while creating a connected foundation for better decisions, better services, and better outcomes.

Whether your priority is licensing modernization, workforce data, R&R, professional development, or quality improvement, PDG funding can be an opportunity to strengthen the connections between them. New World and Insight provide a path to make targeted investments that support today's priorities while building toward a more connected statewide ECE data environment.

Insight ECE Data Eco-System

Insight Integrated Suite includes:

  • Professional Development and Administration
  • Organization/Program Management and Administration
  • Quality Rating and Improvement System
  • Learning Management System
  • Resource and Referral System
  • E-Learning Content Delivery System
  • Licensing Management System
  • And More!

Is Your State Considering Applying?

Lets Start a Conversation.

If your state is considering applying, we encourage you to take a closer look at where technology investments could have the greatest impact.

New World brings nearly 20 years of experience helping states and early childhood organizations manage complex ECE data, technology, and program processes. Our Insight platform can provide a foundation for connecting data, streamlining workflows, and improving access to information across the early childhood ecosystem.

Step Back and Evaluate

Before investing in technology, consider:

  • Are your ECE systems connected?
    Can information move between systems without duplicate data entry or manual work?
  • Can leadership access meaningful data quickly?
    Do decision-makers have timely, reliable information to understand trends, identify gaps, and support policy decisions?
  • Are providers managing key processes online?
    Are applications, renewals, professional development, reporting, and other interactions accessible through efficient digital workflows?
  • Can families easily find information and services?
    Is information about programs, resources, and available services easy for families to find and use?
  • Is there a plan for sustainability after funding ends?
    Can investments made through this funding opportunity become sustainable components of your state's broader technology and data strategy?

We'd love to hear from you.

Let us know whether your state intends to pursue the 2027 PDG opportunity. We can help you think through potential technology opportunities and how the Insight ECE ecosystem may support your goals.

Tell Me More About Insight!