Child Care for Every Community Act

The Child Care for Every Community Act would create a new federal system of child care and early learning programs available to all children under school age, regardless of family income. The bill would establish a network of federally-supported, locally-administered child care centers and family child care homes that meet high-quality standards based on military and Head Start program models. Services would include early learning, health care, nutrition, and social-emotional development support.

Under the bill, families would pay for child care on a sliding scale based on income. Half of families nationwide would pay no more than $10 per day, while higher-income families would pay no more than seven percent of their income. Families making less than 75 percent of their state's median income would be fully subsidized. The legislation would also require child care workers to receive wages and benefits comparable to local public school teachers, along with professional development and training support.

The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. If enacted, it would represent a significant federal investment in child care infrastructure and workforce development, though the total cost and implementation timeline would depend on appropriations and further legislative action.