Establishes a federal framework to fund, oversee, and set standards for child care and early learning programs delivered through approved "prime sponsors." It defines how appropriated dollars are split between direct services and administrative/enhancement activities, sets federal cost‑sharing (generally at least 90%, sometimes 100%), limits family fees, and requires transparency and prioritized funding rules, including special provisions for programs on Indian land.

Requires prime sponsors to submit annual comprehensive plans on access, quality, family engagement, workforce supports, equity, and child protections (including strict limits on suspension and a ban on expulsion for behavioral reasons). Sets national program standards and a facilities code, requires full enrollment and outreach to underserved groups, mandates pay and support expectations for staff, and adds a maintenance‑of‑effort rule that can reduce federal payments to States that cut their child care spending below a recent multi‑year average.