Bill > HR1826

This bill establishes a pilot program to address child care workforce challenges by providing competitive grants to states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations to supplement wages for child care workers. The program aims to attract and retain child care workers, improve worker wellbeing, enhance child care service quality, and increase affordable child care availability. Eligible recipients must submit detailed applications demonstrating significant need, including plans for wage supplements, prioritizing areas with the greatest workforce challenges such as underserved regions and programs serving low-income families, children with disabilities, or operating during nontraditional hours. Grant recipients must disburse wage supplements at least quarterly, provide workers with information about potential tax or benefit implications, and ensure worker participation is voluntary. Up to 10% of grant funds can be used for administrative costs. The Department of Health and Human Services will oversee the program, conduct an evaluation of its effectiveness, and submit a report to Congress within two years of implementation. The bill authorizes necessary funding for fiscal year 2025 and subsequent years, with an effective date 75 days after enactment. Key definitions clarify that "child care workers" are individuals primarily providing direct care and education services in licensed center-based or home-based settings.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1826/all-info