Sponsors (8)
The bill provides targeted childcare funding and program incentives to help parents enter and complete workforce training, but the small appropriation, licensing limits, and potential implementation delays may restrict access and hinder long-term evaluation.
Parents with dependent children gain access to childcare funding that helps them enroll in and complete employment and training programs.
Families (and their children) can access licensed, quality childcare by choosing providers that meet State/local requirements, improving care quality and program alignment with local standards.
Local workforce boards receive targeted federal funding ($10 million) to support program delivery and reduce barriers to employment for eligible participants.
Eligible parents and low-income families may not receive needed childcare support because the $10 million appropriation is small relative to likely demand.
Parents may face delays in receiving assistance because local workforce boards must apply and meet Secretary requirements before grants are awarded and implemented.
Families who rely on informal or unlicensed family childcare arrangements could be excluded if providers must meet State/local licensing, limiting options for some parents and children.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes $10 million for competitive grants to local workforce boards to provide childcare supports for parents in employment and training programs, with reporting to Congress.
Introduced December 3, 2025 by Robert Menendez · Last progress December 3, 2025
Authorizes the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to local workforce boards to pay for childcare support for parents who are taking part in job training or employment activities. Grants must use childcare providers that meet State and local quality and licensing rules, be awarded from funds appropriated for this purpose, and be issued within one year of enactment; the Secretary must report to Congress on enrollment and completion effects within one year after the first grant award. The legislation authorizes $10,000,000 to carry out the program.