Child Care Workforce Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a federal pilot program that awards competitive grants to states, tribes, and tribal organizations specifically to boost the pay of child care workers. The goal is to fix a workforce shortage by making child care jobs more financially viable.
• Grant funding is targeted toward areas with the greatest need, including communities with staffing shortages, underserved areas, places lacking care for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, or families who need care during nontraditional hours like nights and weekends.
• States must send wage supplements to eligible workers at least four times a year and provide education on how the extra pay might affect their taxes or eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or food stamps. Accepting the supplements is voluntary.
• The bill authorizes funding starting in fiscal year 2026 with no set dollar cap, leaving the actual spending level to future appropriations. If enacted, the program would take effect 75 days after signing.
• The bill has bipartisan support, introduced by Senators Britt, Kaine, Shaheen, King, and Gillibrand. It requires HHS to evaluate the pilot program's effectiveness and report back to Congress within two years of implementation.