Bill > S2939

This bill establishes a comprehensive universal child care and early learning program designed to provide all young children with high-quality, affordable child care services nationwide. The bill creates a federal framework for establishing child care and early learning programs that will be available to all children under compulsory school age, regardless of family income, with a focus on promoting school readiness, supporting child development, and ensuring equitable access. Key provisions include establishing national program standards, creating a funding mechanism that covers up to 90% of program costs for most providers (100% for certain underserved populations), mandating competitive wages for child care workers comparable to local educational agency salaries, and requiring comprehensive services that include health, nutritional, and social support. The bill also establishes a robust system of technical assistance, professional development, and research to continuously improve child care programs, with special attention to addressing the needs of low-income, disabled, dual language learner, and other historically underserved children. Prime sponsors (local entities responsible for implementing the programs) will be required to provide full-working-day services, engage parents, coordinate with local schools, and ensure programs are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2939/all-info