Existing federal programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), provide the foundation for child care and early learning in the nation and should continue to be strengthened to meet the needs of families today. Federal funding for these programs provides families with support in accessing and affording quality child care. Strong funding for these programs is essential to improve the child care infrastructure in the United States. The 119th Congress has the opportunity to prioritize meaningful policy solutions which would benefit our children, families, and economy for all. Click on a link below to jump to that section.
Federal Policy Tracking
CCAoA engages in federal policy activities to improve the state of child care across the country. This includes tracking federal legislation introduced this Congress, drafting original letters to Members of Congress and the Administration on proposed policy changes, and signing our support on letters written by coalition partners.
Federal Child Care Bills displays the federal child care bills CCAoA is currently tracking.
Federal Sign-on and Letter Tracker displays letters that CCAoA has sent directly to Congress and the Administration and the federal coalition letters that CCAoA has signed on to.
Federal Policy Analysis and Resources
Child Care Funding
FY24 Wrap-Up… And on to FY25: Child Care Funding News provides final child care and early learning funding levels for FY24.
CCAoA’s Letter to Congress on FY25 Child Care Funding was sent in November 2024 to urge congress to for increase funding in a FY25 appropriations package.
Federal Child Care Funding provides a basic overview of how federal child care funding works and current funding levels for child care and early education programs.
CCDBG/CCDF and Other Early Learning Programs
Overview of Federal Child Care and Early Learning Programs provides a summary of existing federal programs and who they serve.
CCDF 2024 Final Rule provides resources on the 2024 final rule to amend The Child Care and Development Fund regulations.
Use of Waiver Authority under CCDF provides an overview of the history of CCDF waiver authority prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, an analysis of states’ requests for emergency waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and policy recommendations for future waiver use.
Child Care for Working Families Act provides a summary of the bill, which would help ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care for millions of families, greatly expand financial investment in child care at the federal level, and invest in the supply of child care.
Child Care Tax Credits
CCAoA’s Letter to Congress on Child Care Tax Credits was sent in February 2025 to urge Congress to protect and update child care tax credits.
Child Care Tax Credits provides a summary of the federal tax credits parents and businesses can take advantage of to support families in affording child care.
Bipartisan Bills on Child Care Tax Credits and Workforce Support provides an overview of two bipartisan bills introduced in 2024 and reintroduced in 2025 by Senator Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Britt (R-AL).
