“A bill to establish universal child care and early learning programs.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section states the purposes of the title, including (1) establishing and expanding universal, comprehensive child care and early learning programs for all young children; (2) ensuring families' access to affordable, high-quality programs regardless of circumstance; (3) promoting school readiness through cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in supportive learning environments and by providing necessary health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services based on family needs; (4) building on the Head Start program (i.e., a federal program providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families), the military child care program, and similar efforts; (5) making program decisions at the community level with involvement of parents, family members, and local organizations; and (6) establishing a legislative framework for child care and early learning services.
This section defines 20 terms for purposes of this title, including (1) child care and early learning program (i.e., any program providing such services in centers, including schools, or family child care homes); (2) covered child (i.e., a child not yet required to attend school under state compulsory attendance laws who meets requirements of specified regulations); (3) dual language learner (i.e., a child acquiring two or more languages simultaneously or learning an additional language); (4) low-income (i.e., family income not more than 200 percent of the poverty line); and (5) full-working-day (i.e., not less than 10 hours per day, subject to state limits). Other terms incorporate existing definitions (e.g., institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965; child with a disability, from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
This section authorizes and appropriates such sums as necessary to carry out this title—except for activities under subsection (b)—including to meet entitlement requirements under section 111(b). It also authorizes $500 million for each of FY2026 through FY2036 for activities under sections 135, 136, 137, 138, 151, and 152, as well as related administrative activities determined necessary by the Secretary.
This section directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors for child care and early learning programs under this title that offer family-centered services to promote children's development and learning, pursuant to approved plans and applications. It entitles each covered child to participate in such a program meeting the title's requirements, with no cap on the entitlement.
This section directs the Secretary to allocate funds appropriated after FY2025 under this title—amounts under section 103(a) for child care and early learning programs for covered children (excluding administrative activities), and of amounts under section 103(b), at least 50% for activities under sections 135 and 136 plus necessary administration, at least 20% for activities under section 151, and the remainder for activities under sections 137, 138, and 152. It authorizes the Secretary to redirect section 103(b) funds to section 151 in emergencies with notice and justification to Congress and requires publication of subsection (a)(2) allocations in the Federal Register. This section requires payments of the Federal share of program costs—no less than 90% generally, 100% for covered children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers or Native American children (i.e., in Indian tribes and Native Hawaiians)—plus up to 100% of reasonable prime sponsor administrative costs (including quality improvement and Child Care and Early Learning Council operations); establishes a process, informed by external experts, to ensure the Federal share covers all program requirements; allows non-Federal share from cash, in-kind contributions, or family fees not exceeding 7% of family income (with excess applicable to the next fiscal year); and prohibits states or localities from reducing child care expenditures due to this assistance (maintenance of effort).
This section authorizes the Secretary to designate prime sponsors—including States, localities, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, and public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations—for child care and early learning programs based on approved prime sponsorship plans. Such plans must (1) describe the service area and program delivery; (2) provide a comprehensive child care and early learning plan as described in section 114(b); (3) demonstrate community engagement, including from parents, family members, stakeholders, and marginalized populations, to assess need and interest; and (4) show authority to receive and administer funds from federal, state, or private sources. Approval requires opportunities for comments from the local educational agency (LEA) for the service area (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), other educational agencies, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and the state Governor; joint state-entity plans are permitted. The section further directs approval of (1) qualifying localities (cities, counties, other general local governments, or LEAs) meeting a Secretary-determined population threshold (waivable for barriers such as rural areas); (2) the most capable unit among those with overlapping areas; (3) combinations of adjoining localities; (4) Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations; and (5) States, if plans meet requirements and include adequate program provisions.
This section establishes the powers and functions of prime sponsors designated under the title for child care and early learning programs. It authorizes prime sponsors (1) to receive and administer federal, state, private, and local funds; (2) to transfer funds and delegate powers to other agencies for efficiency and program objectives; and (3) to negotiate wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions for teachers and staff. It requires the Secretary to provide financial assistance only pursuant to an approved annual comprehensive child care and early learning plan that assesses needs; identifies communities in particular need; describes strategies to increase supply, quality, and affordability (e.g., start-up funding, training, enhanced compensation); ensures full-working-day, full-calendar-year services responsive to family needs; guarantees access for all children in the service area; promotes mental health and social-emotional well-being; implements strict policies limiting suspension and prohibiting expulsion (with documented steps and transition assistance for persistent behaviors); coordinates with other sponsors; promotes socioeconomic diversity and parent preferences; ensures cultural, linguistic, and developmental appropriateness; and addresses unique needs of specified populations (e.g., low-income children, children with incarcerated parents, homeless children).
This section authorizes a prime sponsor to use financial assistance under section 112(a)(1) to enter into agreements with delegate providers—eligible public or private agencies or organizations (e.g., localities, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, for-profits, family child care networks)—to carry out child care and early learning program services. It requires delegate provider applications to demonstrate entity eligibility and prescribed fiscal controls and fund accounting procedures; permits prime sponsor approval if the application meets section requirements and furthers the sponsor's approved plan under section 114; and directs prime sponsors to involve parents, family members, and community members in delegate provider selection.
This section directs the Secretary to issue, within 18 months of enactment and after consultation with other federal agencies and based on recommendations from a Special Committee, Federal Standards for Child Care and Early Learning Services applicable to all prime sponsors providing child care and early learning services with financial assistance under this title. (As background, prime sponsors administer federally funded workforce and training programs, including child care services to support working parents.) The standards must (1) establish a phased-in baseline threshold for teacher and staff knowledge, skills, and competencies aligned with compensation levels and the early childhood education profession; (2) be as comprehensive as practicable relative to Head Start performance standards (42 U.S.C. 9836a(a)) and military child care standards; and (3) address performance requirements for services (i.e., health, nutrition, social services, parent involvement, and transitions), developmentally appropriate school readiness domains (e.g., language, literacy, math, science, social-emotional development), administrative and financial management, facilities (including licensing and accessibility), staff work environment, and other appropriate areas. The Special Committee, appointed within 60 days of enactment, must include diverse representatives of parents, prime sponsors, program staff, Indian Tribes, family child care providers, and specialists in child care quality, workforce, and development. In developing the standards, the Secretary must consult experts and consider existing Head Start standards and related experiences.
This section requires each prime sponsor to coordinate with local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools serving its area to promote continuity of services and effective transitions for children from child care and early learning programs to elementary school (e.g., kindergarten). Such coordination includes (1) developing procedures for transferring child records with parental consent; (2) establishing ongoing communications between program staff and school counterparts (e.g., teachers, social workers, McKinney-Vento liaisons); (3) developing shared curricular objectives and expectations; (4) conducting joint training; (5) establishing transition policies with LEA involvement; (6) conducting parent and teacher outreach on child needs; (7) helping parents of dual language learners understand school services and ESEA requirements (20 U.S.C. 6312(e)(3)); (8) developing family outreach programs in coordination with Title I and McKinney-Vento efforts; (9) enhancing continuity of parental involvement; (10) linking program services to LEA educational services; (11) teaching parents strategies for involvement post-transition; (12) helping parents understand school services; and (13) increasing participation of underserved children. This section further directs the Secretary to disseminate information to prime sponsors on effective transition policies and activities and to provide related technical assistance.
This section directs the Secretary to establish procedures ensuring adequate nutrition services in child care and early learning programs under this title. The section authorizes the Secretary to enter into an arrangement with the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize, to the fullest extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Summer Food Service Program (i.e., reimburses meals and snacks for children in eligible areas, 42 U.S.C. 1761), Child and Adult Care Food Program (i.e., reimburses nutritious meals and snacks in child care facilities, 42 U.S.C. 1766), and relevant programs under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
This section directs the Secretary to prescribe by regulation eligibility standards for participation in child care and early learning programs assisted under this title, providing that all children younger than the age of compulsory school attendance are eligible regardless of family income, disability status, citizenship status, employment of a family member, or other circumstance. The section further requires prime sponsors to determine eligibility based solely on those standards, to not impose more stringent or exclusive requirements, and to serve all families requesting such services.
This section designates the Office of Child Care of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the principal agency for administering this title and coordinating child care and early learning programs and related activities. It directs the HHS Secretary to (1) coordinate such programs within HHS, including with the Office of Head Start, and with the Department of Education; (2) promulgate regulations ensuring HHS-funded entities coordinate their child care and early learning activities with programs under this title; and (3) provide joint technical assistance for coordinated efforts within HHS and with other federal agencies, including the Department of Education. The section authorizes the Secretary to establish necessary procedures, policies, and regulations.
This section requires the Secretary to establish administrative requirements and standards for child care and early learning programs and prime sponsors consistent with subsections (a) through (f) and (h) of section 644 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9839). (As background, those Head Start provisions govern agency organization and management to ensure nonpartisan, efficient operations; annual public reporting on finances, enrollment, audits, health exams, parent involvement, kindergarten readiness, and other metrics; and standards for salaries, employee competence, and integrity.) The Secretary may adjust those requirements as needed for effective administration and must prescribe regulations for internal administrative controls, accounting, personnel standards, evaluations, and related policies. This section further directs the Secretary, within 16 months of enactment, to report to Congress—after consulting other federal officials—on the availability of federally owned or leased facilities for child care programs during off-hours, with recommendations or proposed actions (including legislation); requires prime sponsors, as a funding condition, to review and report on similar use of their facilities or those of other local organizations, with proposed actions; and authorizes financial assistance for capital expenditures on construction, major renovation, or vehicle purchases when suitable facilities (including public schools) are unavailable, their absence inhibits program operation, and such expenditures are more cost-effective than alternatives. (Thus, such payments may amortize loans, promote program collocation with child services, and require contractors to pay laborers and mechanics prevailing wages per the Davis-Bacon Act.)
This section establishes appeals, notice, hearing, mediation, and other procedures for child care and early learning programs carried out under this title—consistent with those under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9841)—applicable to prime sponsors and delegate providers. It further requires the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, to withhold payments from a prime sponsor or delegate provider upon finding substantial noncompliance with approved plans or applicable title requirements until the noncompliance is corrected (or, at the Secretary's discretion, to direct the prime sponsor to withhold payments to specified delegate providers).
This section directs the Secretary to establish records and audit requirements for child care and early learning programs under this title, and their prime sponsors, that are consistent with section 647 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9842). (As background, section 647 requires Head Start recipients to maintain records fully disclosing use and disposition of funds, project costs, and other sources of funding; provide annual accounting of administrative expenses (including salary details); submit Single Audit Act findings and management letters within 30 days of audit completion; and grant audit access to the Secretary and Comptroller General.)
This section authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance, including scholarships, books, and transportation, for preservice and inservice training of child care and early learning program personnel conducted by prime sponsors or institutions of higher education. It further authorizes (1) technical assistance to entities seeking or serving as prime sponsors for program planning and implementation; (2) technical assistance and support to specified providers (i.e., rural, family child care home, or those serving children of Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiians, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, low-income or underserved children including those with disabilities, homeless, abused or neglected, or in foster care) to meet applicable facilities codes; (3) financial assistance to prime sponsors for training and quality improvement activities to meet national standards and staff qualifications; and (4) regulations for a mandatory staff training program, modeled on the military child care program, covering early childhood development, age-appropriate activities and discipline, child abuse prevention and detection, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures. Additionally, from amounts allocated under section 103(b), this section directs the Secretary to (1) implement outreach to recruit and train professionals from diverse backgrounds as child care and early learning teachers; and (2) award grants of not less than five years to labor organization-sponsored training entities and institutions of higher education—prioritizing part B institutions (i.e., historically Black colleges and universities), Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges or Universities (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1033(1)(A)(i)-(iii))—to improve the workforce through recruitment, credentials, student financial aid, articulated teacher preparation pathways, credit for prior experience or apprenticeships, and tuition support.
This section requires the Secretary—after consulting federal agencies and a committee established under section 121(a)(3)—to establish staff qualification and development requirements for child care and early learning programs carried out under this title. The requirements are based on standards in section 648A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a) (which specifies teacher competencies and degree thresholds, such as at least 50% of Head Start teachers in center-based programs having a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education by September 30, 2013), military child care program certification (including for family child care home providers), and training under section 135(e); they also incorporate compensation standards under subsection (b) and must (1) support high-quality service delivery and a diverse workforce, (2) create credential pathways, and (3) provide at least six years for staff to meet educational requirements. This section requires prime sponsors to pay teachers and staff at child care centers and family child care homes at rates comparable to those for similarly trained, senior, and experienced local educational agency employees (or military child care pay scales for non-comparable positions), not less than a living wage as determined by the Secretary, with periodic reviews and adjustments at least matching the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers; it prohibits federal funds from covering compensation exceeding Executive Schedule level II and defines compensation to include salary, bonuses, benefits, and perquisites. This section requires prime sponsors to implement plans ensuring all teachers, including family child care home providers, receive curriculum support such as specialists (as in the military child care program), accessible teaching activities, daily oversight and lesson planning assistance, child abuse prevention, cognitive and behavioral development activities, and child outcome tracking.
This section directs the Secretary to carry out a continuing program of research, demonstration, and evaluation activities related to child care and early learning programs under this title. The program must address (1) general objectives such as understanding child development processes and early learning outcomes, improving program quality and effectiveness, incorporating research results into programs, and developing approaches for low-income and underserved children (e.g., children with disabilities, homeless children, children who have been abused or neglected, and children in foster care); and (2) specific objectives including assessing program quality, identifying improvement strategies, studying child and family development factors, comparing participants to other groups, understanding eligible populations' needs, disseminating findings, exploring knowledge gaps, evaluating inclusive classrooms and diverse models, and addressing needs of dual language learners, children with disabilities, culturally and racially diverse families, Tribal children, Native Hawaiian children, and children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The Secretary may conduct these activities directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with public or private entities and, as appropriate, in collaboration with other federal agencies, non-federal agencies, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations.
This section requires the Secretary to prepare a report at least once every two years on the status of children—including low-income children, children with disabilities, dual language learners, homeless children, foster children, Indian and migrant children—participating in child care and early learning programs, covering the number of children served and services provided. The report must detail (1) funding received by continuing and newly designated prime sponsors under section 113; (2) geographic distribution of services relative to need; (3) national, regional, and local uses of section 112(a)(1) funds; (4) non-Federal matching funds and sources; (5) per-child costs by region; (6) parent and family participation; (7) child care staff characteristics; (8) child demographics including income, disability status, and welfare benefits; (9) program compliance, facilities, and recipient organizations per section 121 monitoring; (10) on-site and referral services (e.g., health, mental health); (11) services for Indian, Native Hawaiian, and migrant children; (12) disability services delivery, including referrals to, barriers in, and pre-eligibility services under IDEA section 619 grants for preschool special education (20 U.S.C. 1419) or Part C early intervention (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.); and (13) services and outcomes for low-income, minority, and dual language learner children. The Secretary must submit the report to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
This section requires the Secretary to establish nondiscrimination requirements for child care and early learning programs carried out under this title—and their prime sponsors—consistent with those applicable to Head Start programs under section 654 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9849) (i.e., prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation or beliefs, or handicapping condition).
This section authorizes advance appropriations for this title, permitting funds to be included in an appropriations act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation.
This section directs the Secretary to establish a parental consent requirement, consistent with that in section 657A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9852a), for child care and early learning programs under this title and their prime sponsors. (As background, the Head Start Act requires written parental consent prior to any nonemergency intrusive physical examination (i.e., one not immediately necessary for the child's or another's health or safety that requires incision, is otherwise invasive, or involves exposure of private body parts); it does not prohibit established methods for handling suspected or known child abuse or neglect consistent with applicable law.)
This section authorizes the Secretary to provide supplemental financial assistance to prime sponsors of child care and early learning programs that demonstrate barriers to scaling services, meeting national program standards, and securing needed funding. The assistance may support (1) activities such as facilities reviews, coordination with local entities and states, training protocols, accreditation, supports for family child care providers, professional learning resources, and other scaling efforts; or (2) increasing the federal share of costs under section 121(c)(2)(A) for prime sponsors serving areas with high concentrations of families at or slightly above 200% of the poverty line that struggle to provide the non-federal share.
This section authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States for 16 specified child care and early learning activities, including (1) identifying service goals and needs; (2) providing child care providers with start-up funding and technical assistance; (3) supporting compensation for the child care and early learning workforce comparable to primary education workforce levels, including retention or bonus awards; (4) establishing or expanding community- or neighborhood-based family child care networks; (5) recruiting, training, and providing professional development for the workforce; (6) establishing or strengthening Child Care and Early Learning Councils; (7) encouraging agency cooperation and resource utilization; (8) disseminating research, exchanging personnel, improving facilities, assessing licensing, developing planning information, facilitating collaboration among providers, supporting unified early childhood systems with braided or blended funding, and covering fixed operating expenses of eligible providers to increase wages and ensure program stability. It requires States to maintain their expenditures for child care and early learning programs despite receiving these grants.
This section amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBG Act), which provides formula block grants to states to subsidize child care for low-income working families, to (1) establish a maintenance-of-effort requirement prohibiting a state from receiving CCDBG payments for a fiscal year if its total expenditures for child care services (including under the CCDBG Act and Child Care for Every Community Act) for the prior fiscal year fall below the average of such expenditures for the three preceding fiscal years; and (2) require that an eligible child receiving child care and early learning services under the Child Care for Every Community Act may receive CCDBG Act services only for which the child is ineligible under that Act.