In March 2021, Congress passed and President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The package includes $39 billion in dedicated child care relief funding.
The funds provided by the American Rescue Plan will help stabilize the child care sector. At the same time, we must commit to building a better system. We need a child care system that’s more accessible, equitable and affordable to families. Additionally, child care providers need a living wage and benefits. This is an opportunity to transform our child care system for all.
Learn more about the timeline and funding details of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act below:
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- American Rescue Plan Act Implementation Tracker
CCAoA is collecting information on how states are planning to use their relief funds provided under the ARP Act in the table below. This table will be updated on a regular basis as state announcements are made on how the funding will be spent. Please see the Administration for Children and Families’ Stabilization Grant page to find the most updated information on available stabilization grant applications for your state or territory.
If you have questions about any grant opportunities in your state, reach out to your Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency in your state. You can search here to find your local CCR&R agency. Funds are being distributed to child care providers at the state and local levels and your CCR&R can direct you to which new grants you are eligible for and how to apply for the grants when they are available.
If you have any updates to share about your state’s use of ARP Act funds, please email Diane Girouard, State Policy Analyst, at Diane.Girouard@usa.childcareaware.org.
Become and Advocate
- Stabilization Grant Quote Graphics
Federal relief funding for child care has been a lifeline to the sector, yet these one-time funds are dwindling as the spending deadlines approach. Download and share these stories from providers about this funding’s impact and the need for continued investment.
Join in the conversation by sharing your story on social media using the hashtag #FundingChildCareWorks.
- Minnesota
Heather
Michelle
- New York
Chelsea
Denise
- Virginia
Juanita
Wafa
- Minnesota
Blog Posts – Federal Relief Funds : State Progress 2021-2022
Additional Resources
CCAoA is committed to ensuring the funds from the ARP are used to rebuild and improve the child care system. The system needs to work better for providers, families and communities. Find more resources below on ARP Act advocacy topics and implementation:
- ARP Act Policy and Advocacy Tips and Considerations
- Talking Points to Redirect Difficult Conversations about Child Care Relief Funding
- Supporting Your Child Care Program with Federal Relief Funds: A Resource for Child Care Providers in Centers and Family Child Care Homes
- CCAoA’s Relief Funding for Child Care: Best Practice Checklist
- Through an Equity Lens: Working with Data to Implement Change in Child Care
- Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Using CCDF to Improve Compensation for the Child Care Workforce
- ACF’s ARP Act Child Care Stabilization Funds
- ACF’s ARP Act CCDF Discretionary Supplemental Funds
- ACF’s Stabilization Grant map
- The BUILD Initiative’s ARPA Child Care Stabilization Grants Tracker
- Center for the Study of Child Care Employment’s Database for Compensation Strategies
