Today, the White House released the Build Back Better (BBB) Framework, a social spending and climate bill aimed at creating jobs, supporting families with children and meeting clean energy ambitions. The Framework includes two key sections: expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care and universal preschool. The investments are for six years. We know from…
The package that they call the Reconciliation Bill is an investment of $3.5 trillion over 10 years – all paid for through tax policy changes on corporations and very wealthy individuals. The House of Representatives approved a package in September but some Senators are now wanting the package to be smaller – even though they…
The recent federal investment in child care has created an unprecedented moment in time. NAFCC Executive Director Lanette Dumas recently joined other panelists as part of a webinar for the Build Initiative. In this webinar, guest speakers and breakout groups investigated how states and communities can center HBCC providers and educators in their funding decisions, how…
In 1991, Laura Butler opened her child care business: “Imagination Island Child Care.” Three years later, she made the journey from Vermont to her first NAFCC Conference. It was there she found a place where family child care was known and accepted. “The networking was amazing. There really were people who understood my joys and…
Background of the CACFP Operational Emergency Costs in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA): In December 2020, Congress approved and the President signed into law a COVID-19 relief package to aid those recovering from the onset of the pandemic. CACFP Operational Emergency Costs were a part of this package. The intention of…
September 19, 2021 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Right now, Congress is debating details of a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package that can change the course of child care in the U.S. This is a critical moment that will determine if our early care and education system will be able to reach every child in the country,…
September 18, 2021 The Virginian-Pilot In 1971, the United States was a pen stroke away from passing universal child care. With bipartisan support, Congress passed the Comprehensive Child Development Act (CCDA) which would establish a nationally funded, quality child care network providing education, nutrition and medical services to every family that wanted it. Even…
In the Spring, President Biden released the “American Families Plan” which is a sweeping proposal to invest in children and families over 10 years. A proposal from the Administration is the starting line, not the finish line. It is a statement of values, and it is important. But it is not the final word on…
Update: August 25, 2021 The House passed the Budget Resolution on August 24. This is not the end! This is the kick-off of the work on the details. The Budget Resolution tells the Committees how much funding they have available to invest in the care infrastructure. House and Senate Committees only have until September 15…
Last month, we gathered in New Orleans and virtually for the 2021 NAFCC Annual Conference – “Hitting the High Notes.” It was an incredible feeling being able to meet again in person and network with so many family child care professionals from across the country. We even had attendees tuning in online from as far…