Bill > S2828

This bill, known as the Child Care Modernization Act of 2025, comprehensively updates the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act to improve child care services nationwide. The bill expands the purposes of child care assistance to provide states more flexibility in developing child care systems that meet local needs, with a focus on supporting working parents and ensuring high-quality care. Key provisions include broadening the definition of eligible activities for parents (such as job training, education, and healthcare treatment), expanding income eligibility requirements, and creating new grant programs to help child care providers start up, expand, and improve their facilities. The bill requires states to develop more robust cost estimation models for child care payment rates, prioritize serving children in underserved or vulnerable populations, and create more transparent reporting mechanisms about child care access and affordability. Additionally, the legislation authorizes appropriations for child care services from 2026 to 2030 and establishes new reporting requirements for states to track progress in areas like workforce development, parental choice, and program quality. The bill aims to make child care more accessible, affordable, and supportive of working families by providing states with enhanced tools and resources to develop comprehensive child care strategies.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2828/all-info