Child Care Infrastructure Act

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house
senate
president

Introduced on September 25, 2024 by Katherine M. Clark

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

  • Establishes the “Infrastructure Grants To Improve Child Care Safety Act” to enhance child care infrastructure.
  • Mandates the Secretary to conduct immediate and long-term needs assessments of child care facilities, focusing on those receiving federal funds.
  • Immediate needs assessment to evaluate infrastructure needs and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a report due within one year.
  • Long-term needs assessment to be conducted through random sampling, with a report due within four years.
  • Authorizes grants to states for acquiring, constructing, renovating, or improving child care facilities, with a focus on low-income populations and underserved areas.
  • States must prioritize facilities serving young children, those unable to serve due to inadequate conditions, and those operating under nontraditional hours.
  • Grants are limited to a maximum duration of five years and require a 10% matching contribution from states.
  • Grants to intermediary organizations for technical assistance and financing support are also authorized, with a maximum grant amount of $10 million.
  • Requires labor standards compliance for all construction-related grants, ensuring prevailing wage rates are met.
  • Authorizes $10 billion for fiscal year 2025 to support these initiatives, with specific reservations for Indian tribes and territories.
  • Limits the use of funds for needs assessments to $5 million.

Last updated 12/20/2024