Child Care Support: New Rules and Funding for Families
This act aims to make high-quality child care more accessible for parents by changing funding rules and definitions. It increases state flexibility in developing care systems, promotes parental choice, and supports professional development for child care workers. Lower-income families may receive more assistance, and payment rates for care services are to be based on cost estimation models.
Key points
Authorization of funding for child care to over $6 billion annually for fiscal years 2023-2027.
Expanded definition of "child care" to include preschool, early childhood education, and before/after-school care for children up to age 13.
Allows states to raise the income limit for eligible families from 85% to 150% of the State median income under certain conditions.
Mandates states to develop cost estimation models for child care payment rates, ensuring payments cover fixed and operational costs.
Strengthened support for professional development of child care staff, including financial assistance and 'earn and learn' programs.
Extended state plan period from 3 to 5 years for greater program stability.
Required consultation with parents, child care providers, and employers when developing state plans.
Review of health and safety requirements to eliminate redundancies and reduce administrative burden on providers.
Expired
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