Bill > HR540

This bill would establish a grant program to assist states and tribal entities in carrying out projects to expand the child care workforce and child care facilities in areas identified as "child care deserts." The bill defines key terms such as "child care desert," "family child care provider," and "portable/stackable credential." It would provide two types of grants: child care workforce grants to develop and expand the child care provider workforce, and child care facility grants to construct, expand, or renovate child care facilities, including licensed family child care homes. The grants would cover 50% of the project costs, with the remaining 50% coming from non-federal sources. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct an evaluation of the grant activities and submit a report to Congress. Finally, the bill authorizes $100 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2022 through 2028 to carry out the provisions of the Act.