What does Preamble of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To implement or strengthen programs that increase the supply of quality child care services by enhancing the wages of child care workers, and for other purposes,' aims to increase the supply of quality child care services. A stated purpose of the bill is to enhance the wages of child care workers.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Child Care Workforce Act.

What does PURPOSE. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This Act establishes a pilot program to increase the supply of quality child care services. Funding will be provided to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations. The funding is intended to supplement the wages of eligible child care workers. The program aims to attract and retain eligible child care workers. It also seeks to improve the well-being of eligible child care workers. The program intends to improve the quality of child care services. Finally, the program aims to increase the availability of affordable child care services.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. A 'child care worker' is defined as an individual whose primary focus is providing child care services to children in compliance with state, tribal, or organizational licensing standards, in either a center-based or home-based setting. 'Indian Tribe' is defined by reference to section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. 'State' includes several states, the District of Columbia, and various U.S. territories. 'Tribal organization' is defined by reference to section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990.

What does PILOT PROGRAM. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This section establishes a pilot program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide competitive grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations. The grants are intended to supplement the wages of eligible child care workers. The Secretary will consider factors like the number of children under 5, the number of child care workers, average wages, unmet subsidy needs, and the need for more workers when selecting grant recipients. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a significant need for increased child care workers and wages, commit to supplementing wages for low-wage workers, and provide a detailed plan for fund allocation. The plan must include criteria for worker eligibility, prioritization of areas with the greatest need, and a method for delivering wage supplements. Applicants must also outline a public awareness campaign, assessment measures for program impact, and a plan to integrate the pilot program with the State or Tribe's broader compensation strategy. Finally, applicants must describe how they will address potential destabilization after grant funds are expended.

What does USE OF FUNDS. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

Grants received under section 4 must be used to supplement the wages of eligible child care workers. Wage supplements must be disbursed to eligible child care workers at least quarterly. Grant funding should be targeted based on areas described in section 4(c)(3)(B). Eligible child care workers must receive education regarding the potential impact of wage supplements on taxes and public benefits. Acceptance of wage supplements is voluntary for eligible child care workers. Up to 10 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative costs, financial counseling, and public awareness campaigns.

What does EVALUATION. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to conduct an evaluation of a pilot program. The evaluation will assess the program's effectiveness in attracting and retaining eligible child care workers. The evaluation will also assess the program's effectiveness in improving eligible child care worker well-being and the quality of child care services. Finally, the evaluation will assess the program's effectiveness in increasing the availability of affordable child care services.

What does REPORT. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress. The report must contain the results of an evaluation. The report is due within two years of the pilot program's implementation.

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

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Funds are authorized for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Child Care Workforce Act do?

This Act will become effective 75 days after its enactment.

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Child Care Workforce Act

Last updated: 3/19/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2025

Author: Katie Britt (R-AL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a pilot program to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations to supplement the wages of eligible child care workers.
Grant funds must be used to directly increase child care worker wages, with a focus on low-wage earners and areas with the greatest need.
The bill requires an evaluation of the pilot program's impact on attracting and retaining child care workers, improving service quality, and increasing the availability of affordable care.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 1826(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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