(updated January 21, 2021)
Federal Information
Updates and resources at the federal level for the Early Learning community.
President Biden’s Economic Recovery Proposal for Early Learning
(1/21/21) President Biden has proposed an emergency legislative package, American Rescue Plan, to provide immediate support to communities across the country struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
US House of Representatives Passes Two Historic Childcare Bills
(7/29/20) The federal House of Representatives passed a package of bills dedicating a historic $220 billion over 10 years to support Early Learning teachers and families. These two bills represent the largest investment in the child care field since World War II. The Child Care is Essential Act would allocate $50 billion to provide grants to child care providers to address costs associated with re-opening and operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also includes funding to pay tuition or copayments for families who are struggling financially. The Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, estimated to cost $170 billion over ten years, would provide longer-term support.
New Bill Seeks to Stabilize the Childcare Industry during COVID-19 Crisis
(Update 5/28/20) This week, US Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Bobby Scott, and US Senator Patty Murray along with partnering co-sponsors introduced a bill, the Child Care is Essential Act, to create a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund which would provide grant funding to stabilize the childcare industry and assist providers in reopening and operating safely.
According to the bill’s authors, the Child Care is Essential Act would support childcare providers and working families by:
- Ensuring that the grants adequately support providers’ operating expenses and funding gets to them quickly;
- Requiring that providers continue to pay their staff;
- Providing tuition and copayment relief for working families;
- Promoting health and safety through compliance with public health guidance;
- Prioritizing providers that serve underserved populations;
- Ensuring grants are awarded equitably across childcare settings; and
- Conducting oversight through robust reporting requirements.
Learn more about the Child Care Is Essential Act
Read the full bill text
This bill would provide critical support to keep childcare running in California and across the country. Find your legislator using the links below to urge them to support the Child Care is Essential Act:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act: Implications for California
(Update 3/27/20) President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act, which provides economic support in order to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This $2 trillion stimulus package will provide financial assistance to both individuals and childcare businesses. Early Edge California’s new summary breaks down what the package means for individuals, small business owners and self-employed workers, and businesses.
- CARES Stimulus Package Summary by Early Edge California
- Zero to Three’s How is Congress Addressing the Needs of Babies and Families
COVID-19 National Paid Family Leave Resources
- Read the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)’s Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
- Webinar on Congressional and Legal Updates for Small Businesses
- Webinar on How Small Businesses, Workers, and Workplaces Should Respond to COVID-19
- US Department of Labor Resources
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Funds: Recovery Flexibility
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has released materials to help Lead Agencies understand the flexibilities in the CCDF law as they try to help meet the needs of families and communities in response to the spread of COVID-19.
- Click here to access ACF’s full memo on CCDF flexibility during state or federal emergencies.
- In addition, ACF has released a letter with updated resources and information about administrative relief strategies, as well as a list of FAQs about CCDF and COVID-19.
National Early Learning Partners and Organizations: Joint Letter to ACF
National partners and organizations recently wrote a letter to ACF seeking CCDF and state flexibility.
- Read their letter to the Office of Child Care Administration.
Special Federal Approval to Feed Students
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gave the California Department of Education (CDE) a special waiver that will enable California districts to feed students during Coronavirus-related closures.
- Read the CDE News Release for more information.
COVID-19 Resources from NIEER
Information for various stakeholders working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
NAEYC Childcare Guidance
Recommendations for states; The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) prepared guidance about to support the childcare community in states that have closed schools.