US SB2828

Reauthorizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 through fiscal years 2026-2030, expanding eligibility to children under 13 whose families earn up to 85% of state median income and have assets below $1,000,000

Expands eligible activities for parents receiving child care assistance to include employment, job training, education, health treatment, job search, and taking family or medical leave

Requires states to develop cost estimation models for child care payment rates by September 30, 2031, ensuring rates cover fixed and operational costs, staff salaries, and benefits while accounting for geographic and provider-type variations

Creates new Child Care Supply and Facilities Grants program authorizing funding for fiscal years 2027-2030 to expand child care provider capacity through startup subgrants, supply expansion subgrants, and facilities improvement subgrants

Increases quality improvement funding requirement to at least 9% of block grant funds annually and mandates states develop initiatives to recruit, train, and retain qualified child care workforce