What does Preamble of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. The bill intends to reauthorize and update the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. The bill was introduced by Mr. Mackenzie, along with Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mrs. Hinson, and Ms. Lee of Nevada.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

What does PURPOSES. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section redesignates Section 658A of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 as Section 658. The purposes of the subchapter include allowing states maximum flexibility in developing and implementing a mixed delivery system for child care. The subchapter aims to promote parental choice in selecting child care services. It encourages states to provide consumer education information to parents regarding child care options. The subchapter supports states in delivering high-quality, coordinated child care services to maximize parents' options and support continuity of care. It seeks to assist states in improving child care quality through established standards. The subchapter aims to support the educational and professional development of child care staff and the recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. A goal is to increase the number of low-income children in high-quality child care settings.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. It redesignates and revises various paragraphs and definitions, including 'eligible activity' and 'eligible child'. New definitions are added for terms such as 'family child care provider', 'homeless child', and 'mixed delivery system'.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. A new 'Part I--Child Care Services' is inserted before section 658B. Section 658B is revised to authorize appropriations for carrying out the subchapter, excluding section 658T. These appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

What does LEAD AGENCY. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 The lead agency must develop a State plan in consultation with various groups Consultation groups include parents, child care providers, employers, and local government representatives

What does APPLICATION AND PLAN. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 658E(c) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Revisions are made to subparagraphs within Section 658E(c) regarding eligible children, diversity of child care services, professional development, health and safety requirements, underserved areas, and sliding fee scales. Paragraph (3) is revised to require states to prepare a report by September 30 of each fiscal year. The state plan must certify that payment rates for child care services will be sufficient to meet costs and will be set according to a cost estimation model. The cost estimation model must reflect various factors including geographic area, ages of children, and quality of care. The Secretary may offer guidance on cost estimation models but cannot require states to adopt specific models. The state plan must provide for a sliding fee scale to determine copayments for families receiving assistance.

What does ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 The State must develop initiatives to assist child care providers in recruiting, training, and retaining a qualified workforce At least 9 percent of funds must be used to carry out these activities

What does WAIVERS OF INCOME REQUIREMENT. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 658I(c) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. It modifies requirements related to waivers of income requirements for child care services. States can now request waivers to raise their maximum income standard if it meets certain criteria. States seeking waivers of section 658A(5)(B)(i)(I) must provide information to the Secretary, including the desired income standard and data demonstrating service to eligible children. The Secretary may renew existing waivers of income requirements for a period not exceeding 3 years. The section clarifies that waivers do not permit states to deny access to, or increase copayments for, eligible children with incomes below the maximum standard and limited assets.

What does REPORTS AND AUDITS. of Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 658K(a) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. States are now required to annually prepare reports, instead of on a specified date. States must report on the percentage of income families spend on child care for those eligible but not receiving assistance, and available affordable child care options. States must conduct a feasibility study on lowering child care copayments and increasing access to child care over five years. States must submit a progress report analyzing their performance over the preceding 10 years against benchmarks outlined in their State plans. The progress report must cover indicators including child and family eligibility, affordability, parental choice, workforce quality, and program integrity. The Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress summarizing the information reported by states.

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Child Care Modernization Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/9/2026 · Introduced: 6/9/2026

Author: Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill reauthorizes and updates the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to provide states with greater flexibility in developing and implementing child care systems.
The bill authorizes appropriations of funds from 2027 through 2031 to support child care services, workforce development, and quality improvement initiatives.
States are required to develop plans that ensure payment rates for child care services are sufficient to meet costs and establish sliding fee scales for families.
The bill allows states to request waivers to raise income standards for child care eligibility, provided certain criteria are met and access for eligible children is maintained.
The legislation establishes a grant program to support child care providers with expanding supply and improving facilities, targeting states, tribes, and tribal organizations.

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