Today, the Child Care Access to Resources for Early-learning (Child C.A.R.E.) Act was introduced in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. The Child C.A.R.E. Act calls for investment in
you
- the child care providers across the country doing crucial work every day for children and families.
The Child C.A.R.E. Act, introduced by Senator Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Crowley (D-NY) and Frankel (D-FL) calls for big new investments in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to:
- ensure families with children under the age of four who are living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can access high-quality child care through the subsidy program;
- ensure that CCDBG provider payment rates are set at a level high enough to support quality child care and fairly compensate you for the work that you do;
- assist child care providers on a pathway that invests in strengthening skills, knowledge, and practice.
"Family child care providers offer a strong foundation for families and communities. The Child C.A.R.E. Act will help families access the high-quality care they need, when and where they need it. The Child C.A.R.E. Act is an investment in child care that will strengthen the system we have and make more choices available to more families who are counting on us," said Eva Daniels, Executive Director of NAFCC.
(Read the rest of her statement by clicking here.)
NAFCC supports and endorses this legislation - as a commitment to child care providers, to quality
and
access, and a commitment for the necessary investment. This legislation is a big way to have a big conversation about child care in this country!
Too often, the subsidy program through CCDBG undermines the effort at quality child care because it pays providers so little. This varies state to state - but the investment needs a boost in every state! And by raising the eligibility level, more families would be able to afford to choose quality care - perhaps to choose
your
family child care home, because they'd have the assistance they need to enroll.
"We appreciate that this bill acknowledges the role of the providers themselves and invests in their crucial work," said Daniels.
We are excited for the road ahead! Join the excitement on
social media today!
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