Federal child care policy activity continues to move quickly in Congress and across federal agencies. Below is a snapshot of major developments impacting family child care (FCC) educators, children, and families, along with updates on legislation aligned with the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Policy Priorities. Federal Policy Updates Two Bipartisan Child Care…
Federal policymakers are currently considering several proposals that could significantly change how child care subsidy programs operate nationwide. While many of these proposals are framed as efforts to increase accountability or prevent improper payments, the approaches being discussed could create new barriers for family child care (FCC) educators and the families who rely on them.…
Family Child Care Advocates and Supporters, Federal activity on child care continues in the 119th Congress, with several bills introduced that could impact how family child care is funded and supported. These proposals focus on areas like subsidy payments, workforce support, tax policy, nutrition, and broader system changes. Most of these bills are still in…
Summary: The FY2026 Conference Bill sustains federal investment in child care. While funding is slightly increasing, the impact on Family Child Care (FCC) educators will be determined by how individual states choose to allocate these new dollars. 1. Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Total Funding: $8.831 billion Increase: +$85 million (~1%) Status: CCDBG…
Family Child Care Advocates and Supporters, We are reaching out with an urgent update regarding the stability of our nation’s child care funding & infrastructure. Recent federal actions have introduced confusion about child care funding and placed unprecedented financial pressure on FCC educators and families. The Details: What Is Happening? The U.S. Department of Health…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is closely monitoring recent actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) related to child care funding and federal oversight. At this time, a freeze on child care payments in Minnesota is in effect following allegations of misuse of funds in…
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by hard truths and hopeful progress. While progress at the federal level has been limited, with funding delays and a prolonged government shutdown, states have taken the lead. Across the country, bold action and policy victories at the state level remind us that…
November 5, 2025 Dear Family Child Care Educators, As the federal government shutdown continues, NAFCC is closely tracking updates that affect your programs and the families you serve. We want to ensure that you have the most accurate information and practical resources available to you right now. According to the National CAFCP Association, the USDA…
Issued by: Ronald Jarrett, Director of Policy and Public Affairs Policy Focus: Federal Budget Reconciliation Action Status: Immediate Advocacy Needed Summary Congress is advancing H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that would significantly restructure programs that millions of families and home-based family child care educators rely on every day.…
The Problem: Family Child Care Is Being Quietly Pushed Out Family child care (FCC) is diminishing at an alarming rate. Nearly 100,000 licensed FCC programs have closed since 2012, representing a 35% national decline (National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, 2022). Despite being the most common licensed form of care in rural counties—where FCC…