“A bill to establish and expand child care programs for parents who work nontraditional hours, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes the Child Care and Development Innovation Fund under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBG) as a pilot program to improve child care access for parents working nontraditional hours (i.e., at least 25% before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, or on short notice) and support their workforce attachment. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award competitive grants, not later than 90 days after enactment, to eligible child care providers or partnerships for five years (nonrenewable) in amounts from $25,000 to $500,000 (with a 25% non-Federal match) to fund activities such as expanding or establishing child care programs (including onsite workplace programs and those existing as of January 1, 2027) for such families, entering provider contracts, planning and outreach, facility improvements, staffing, curricula, training, and health/safety compliance. HHS must report to Congress at least every two years on children and parents served, program impacts, and grant outcomes. Grants are exempt from CCDBG requirements except those of redesignated section 658T (formerly 658P).