Child Care Workforce Act

Summary

Creates a federal competitive pilot that gives grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations to provide wage supplements to eligible child care workers. The pilot aims to attract and retain workers, improve worker well-being and child care quality, and expand affordable child care access, and requires an evaluation and a report to Congress. Funding is authorized as "such sums as may be necessary" beginning in FY2025, and the Act takes effect 75 days after enactment.

Key Points

• Creates a competitive grant pilot for States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations to provide wage supplements to eligible child care workers.
• Goals are to attract/retain workers, improve worker well-being and care quality, and increase affordable child care availability.
• Grantees must target funds to low-wage workers, pay supplements at least quarterly, and educate workers about tax/benefit impacts.
• Up to 10% of each grant may be used for administration, financial counseling, and outreach.
• Applicants must submit plans addressing eligibility, geographic targeting, delivery methods, evaluation, and post-grant sustainability.
• Requires a federal evaluation of workforce, quality/well‑being, and affordability outcomes, and a report to Congress within two years of pilot start.
• Authorizes indefinite funding as "such sums as may be necessary" beginning in FY2025; no specific appropriation amounts are listed.
• Takes effect 75 days after enactment.

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