Child Care for Every Community Act

The Child Care for Every Community Act would create a new federal program to help families access affordable child care and early learning services. Under this bill, the federal government would provide funding to states, local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofit community organizations to offer child care and early learning programs. All children not yet required to attend school would be eligible to participate regardless of family income, disability status, citizenship status, or employment of a family member. Families would pay subsidized fees based on their income, with fees waived entirely for children from families earning below 200 percent of the poverty line. The bill would establish this as an entitlement program, meaning all eligible children would have a guaranteed right to participate without a spending cap. The program would provide comprehensive services including health care, nutrition, education, and social services tailored to each family's needs, building on successful models like Head Start. The bill has passed the House and now requires Senate approval before it could become law.